Bill > SCR1605

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to grant Kansas counties expanded home rule powers, allowing them greater autonomy in local governance. The amendment would empower counties to determine their local affairs and government, including levying taxes and fees, with some limitations. Counties could pass charter resolutions to exempt themselves from certain state laws that do not apply uniformly to all counties, provided they follow specific procedural requirements, such as obtaining a two-thirds vote from the county's governing body and potentially subjecting the resolution to a public referendum. The legislature would retain the ability to preempt county actions through statewide or uniform county-class laws, and could establish up to four classes of counties for regulatory purposes. If approved by voters in the November 2026 general election, the amendment would take effect on July 1, 2027, elevating counties' current statutory home rule authority to a constitutional guarantee and providing them with broader powers to manage local affairs. The resolution emphasizes that county powers should be "liberally construed" to maximize local self-governance.