Briefing Book 2025 – Page 4

Voter Roll and Poll Book Maintenance

Voter Roll Maintenance Voter registration list, or voter roll, maintenance is the process of removing voters from the voter roll or party affiliation lists. In Kansas, it is the responsibility of the county election officer to remove names of voters who have died or who have become disqualified from voting. The Secretary of State mustContinue reading “Voter Roll and Poll Book Maintenance”

Grid Security

Protecting the bulk electric system (or “power grid”) from both physical and cyberattacks is known as “grid security.” Risks and Threats In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported at least 175 instances of physical attacks or threats against critical grid infrastructure, including incidences of theft and vandalism. In 2024, Check Point Research documentedContinue reading “Grid Security”

Article V Convention (Convention of States)

What is Article V? Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to call a convention to propose and discuss amendments that “impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.” ArticleContinue reading “Article V Convention (Convention of States)”

Kansas Cybersecurity Update

From 2022 to 2023, ransomware attacks against cities, counties, and state agencies increased by 36 percent. A ransomware attack is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts its files on a victim’s computer or network, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. Ransomware typically infiltrates a system through phishing emailsContinue reading “Kansas Cybersecurity Update”

Introduction to the State Budget Process

In Kansas, the fiscal year (FY) begins on July 1 of each year. The State of Kansas uses an executive budget in that the budgetary recommendations of the Governor are embodied in appropriation bills, which are introduced, considered, and amended by the Legislature. Interim Most state agencies are required by law to submit budget requestsContinue reading “Introduction to the State Budget Process”

KPERS Tier 3

Created in 1961, the primary purpose of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS or Retirement System) is to accumulate sufficient resources to pay benefits to retired state workers statutorily entitled to those benefits. As of December 2023, KPERS manages approximately $26.41 billion on a market value basis and $27.58 billion in actuarially valued assets.Continue reading “KPERS Tier 3”

Approaches to Property Tax Limits

Property tax relief is commonly sought through targeted policies intended to reduce the tax burden for individual taxpayers, such as exemptions for fixed- or lower-income individuals. Other policies aim to provide more broad-based property tax relief by limiting the growth of the components used to determine the amount of tax paid. Approaches to tax reliefContinue reading “Approaches to Property Tax Limits”

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief

Disabled veterans are currently entitled to residential property tax relief measures in all 50 states; however, the qualifications and scope of relief vary greatly from state to state. Note: All provisions discussed in this article refer to the primary residence of a disabled veteran. Veterans Administration Disability Ratings Typically, state or local laws require aContinue reading “Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief”

Residential Property Tax Relief Programs

Kansas has had some form of property tax relief program for certain residential property since 1970, when the Homestead Property Tax Relief Act was enacted. Today, Kansas has three such programs, each differing in their recipients and benefits. This article summarizes the key elements of Kansas’ Homestead Property Tax Refund Act, Selective Assistance for EffectiveContinue reading “Residential Property Tax Relief Programs”