Chairperson Smith opened the hearing for HB2644.

Adam Siebers, Office of Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview for HB2644 that requires a county appraiser to adjust the value of residential and commercial property upon final determination of a valuation appeal or obtain an independent fee simple appraisal if the appraised value exceeds a 5.0 percent increase each year for five years. (Attachment 1)

Mr. Siebers stood for questions from Committee members.

At the request of Chairperson Smith, Mr. Siebers provided a brief history of a similar bill in early 2010.  The law froze values for two years upon an appeal that was successful.  In the early 2010s, the two year was extended to three years as part of a package with other changes.  An act of the bill was the appraisal couldn't adjust the value for three years after a final determination would have lowered the value.  When the bill became law, it was challenged and the provision no longer could apply.  The legislation in 2014 instituted this along with other provisions, so it's not a freeze on property value.  If the value was lowered pursuant to an appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) or the courts and the appraiser feels the value should go back up quickly.  For commercial property over two years, excess of 5.0 percent, additional steps have to be taken.

Committee discussion ensued.

Neutral:  Martha Smith, Kansas Manufactured Housing Association, testified as neutral to HB2644, requesting an amendment to include residential personal property.

There were no proponent or opponent conferees for HB2644.

Chairperson Smith closed the hearing for HB2644.