MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — State Representative Kyler Sweely says lawmakers made progress during the most recent legislative session but acknowledged that major issues like property tax reform remain unresolved.
Sweely, who represents the southern half of Hutchinson, described the session as fast-paced but productive, noting it was an election year that pushed lawmakers to move quickly on key legislation.
“I think we got a lot of good things done,” Sweely said during a recent interview. “I personally got a couple good things done for the district, and I’m happy to go run for reelection and try to do it again next year.”
Property tax reform falls short
Despite that progress, Sweely pointed to property taxes as the biggest disappointment of the session. Lawmakers in the House and Senate failed to reach agreement on competing approaches to provide relief for homeowners.
Sweely said he supported both proposals — one focused on limiting property valuation increases and another aimed at controlling revenue growth at the local level — but neither ultimately passed.
“It’s probably the same answer you’ll get from everyone,” he said. “The House and Senate didn’t get along very well on their two plans.”
He noted rising property valuations remain a concern for many Kansans, particularly those on fixed incomes who may see significant increases in assessed value without a corresponding rise in income.
Housing bill aims to expand affordability
Among the session’s successes, Sweely highlighted passage of House Bill 2596, which modifies the state’s prison-made goods law to allow partnerships between Kansas Correctional Industries and modular or manufactured housing companies.
The change is designed to expand affordable housing options while also providing job training opportunities for inmates.
“This is about trying to get single-family housing into that $100,000 to $200,000 range,” Sweely said.
He said the measure received strong bipartisan support and has been signed into law by Laura Kelly, with a ceremonial signing still pending.
Supporters say the policy could help address multiple challenges at once — including housing shortages, workforce recruitment and inmate reentry — by lowering construction costs and increasing access to attainable homes.
Addressing drug abuse and public safety
Sweely also pointed to legislation aimed at combating fentanyl and methamphetamine abuse, particularly among young people.
He co-sponsored measures requiring schools to educate students about fentanyl dangers, maintain access to overdose-reversal medication, and expand legal protections for those who administer it in emergencies.
“We’re just trying to keep our young people educated on the subject and make sure Narcan is available when it’s needed most,” he said.
Additionally, Sweely supported the so-called “Halo Act,” which establishes a buffer zone around first responders to allow them to safely perform their duties.
For now, he said lawmakers will continue working on unresolved issues, particularly property tax reform, as they look toward the next session.
“We’ll keep working on it,” Sweely said.