Homeownership Protected in Jefferson City and Topeka in 2016
It was a busy year for real estate related legislation in both the Show-Me State and the Sunflower State. And, while the regular session was full of the standard legislative back-and-forth that is typical for any statehouse, Topeka saw some incredible last-minute fireworks at their end-of-session. In all, RPAC stood tall and helped to accomplish some major victories in each state this year. Here are just a few of the important efforts made to protect your clients and your profession: It was a busy year for real estate related legislation in both the Show-Me State and the Sunflower State. And, while the regular session was full of the standard legislative back-and-forth that is typical for any statehouse, Topeka saw some incredible last-minute fireworks at their end-of-session. In all, RPAC stood tall and helped to accomplish some major victories in each state this year. Here are just a few of the important efforts made to protect your clients and your profession:
MAR Accomplishments
Passage of Amendment 4. This crucial constitutional amendment prohibits future attempts by politicians to add a sales tax to service providers in Missouri, including real estate agents. Missouri Realtors led a statewide coalition to protect Missouri residents from being subject to higher taxes. Thanks to those efforts, Missouri became the first state in America to constitutionally ban the expansion of sales taxes to services. Passage of Amendment 4. This crucial constitutional amendment prohibits future attempts by politicians to add a sales tax to service providers in Missouri, including real estate agents. Missouri Realtors led a statewide coalition to protect Missouri residents from being subject to higher taxes. Thanks to those efforts, Missouri became the first state in America to constitutionally ban the expansion of sales taxes to services.
Passage of SB 572. This bill contained an important reform for owners of rental property: improved nuisance notification. The act requires that notice of the nuisance and subsequent order for abatement must be given to both to the occupant of the property and the owner of the property at their last known address. This better ensures that notice of the nuisance will reach the one causing it. Passage of SB 572. This bill contained an important reform for owners of rental property: improved nuisance notification. The act requires that notice of the nuisance and subsequent order for abatement must be given to both to the occupant of the property and the owner of the property at their last known address. This better ensures that notice of the nuisance will reach the one causing it.
KAR Accomplishments
Of the 2016 state and federal races in which KS RPAC participated, they were successful in supporting the winner 89 percent of the time. Of the 2016 state and federal races in which KS RPAC participated, they were successful in supporting the winner 89 percent of the time.
Succeeded in a successful override of Governor Brownback’s veto of a bill that increases the fairness of the property tax valuation and the appeals process for all taxpayers. If that sounds mundane, we assure you it’s not. To override a Governor’s veto, a 2/3 vote from both the House and the Senate is required, which is difficult under ordinary circumstances. But in this case, the override happened on the official end of Kansas’s legislative session, which is not known for its burgeoning attendance. Knowing this, KAR pushed for lawmakers to attend this largely ceremonial session, resulting in an overwhelming veto override. Succeeded in a successful override of Governor Brownback’s veto of a bill that increases the fairness of the property tax valuation and the appeals process for all taxpayers. If that sounds mundane, we assure you it’s not. To override a Governor’s veto, a 2/3 vote from both the House and the Senate is required, which is difficult under ordinary circumstances. But in this case, the override happened on the official end of Kansas’s legislative session, which is not known for its burgeoning attendance. Knowing this, KAR pushed for lawmakers to attend this largely ceremonial session, resulting in an overwhelming veto override.
Strengthened the right of Kansas Property owners to vote when cities and counties increase property taxes over the previous year buy more than inflation. That’s a mouthful, but the end result is important to all homeowners in Kansas. In 2015, the Kansas Legislature granted Kansans the right to vote on when cities and counties increase their property taxes by more than the rate of inflation over the previous year. But, that right wouldn’t kick in until January 1, 2018. After intense negotiation, however, KAR got the Legislature to change the implementation date to January 1, 2017. Strengthened the right of Kansas Property owners to vote when cities and counties increase property taxes over the previous year buy more than inflation. That’s a mouthful, but the end result is important to all homeowners in Kansas. In 2015, the Kansas Legislature granted Kansans the right to vote on when cities and counties increase their property taxes by more than the rate of inflation over the previous year. But, that right wouldn’t kick in until January 1, 2018. After intense negotiation, however, KAR got the Legislature to change the implementation date to January 1, 2017.
Defeated a repeal attempt on the pass-through exemption, preventing state income taxes on all wage and non-wage income received by small business owners/self-employed professionals (like REALTORS, for example). Defeated a repeal attempt on the pass-through exemption, preventing state income taxes on all wage and non-wage income received by small business owners/self-employed professionals (like REALTORS, for example).
Passed legislation to ban cities and counties from adopting or enforcing price control mandates on privately owned property. Because of this, rent and sales prices will continue to be negotiated in the fair market and local governments will not be allowed to interfere with private real estate rental and sales transactions. Passed legislation to ban cities and counties from adopting or enforcing price control mandates on privately owned property. Because of this, rent and sales prices will continue to be negotiated in the fair market and local governments will not be allowed to interfere with private real estate rental and sales transactions.
These legislative accomplishments are a testament to the grassroots power of the Realtor Party, strengthened by the REALTOR®’s Political Action Committee. RPAC is the nation’s largest PAC, and is fueled by contributions from REALTORS® like you. Contributing RPAC helps support real estate-friendly elected candidates and legislation to ensure your business and your clients are protected. RPAC is Your Best Investment in Real Estate. These legislative accomplishments are a testament to the grassroots power of the Realtor Party, strengthened by the REALTOR®’s Political Action Committee. RPAC is the nation’s largest PAC, and is fueled by contributions from REALTORS® like you. Contributing RPAC helps support real estate-friendly elected candidates and legislation to ensure your business and your clients are protected. RPAC is Your Best Investment in Real Estate.
