House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for HB2024 - Committee on Taxation
Short Title
Providing a tax credit for firefighters who incur unreimbursed medical expenses for screening for occupation-related cancer, enacting the fighting chance for firefighters act.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 29, 2025
Chairperson Smith opened the hearing for HB2024.
Adam Siebers, Office of Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview for HB2024 that enacts the firefighters act by providing an income tax credit for firefighters who incur unreimbursed medical expenses for screening occupational-related cancer. (Attachment 10) . Mr. Siebers stood for questions from Committee members.
Kathleen Smith provided an overview of the fiscal note stating HB2024 would decrease the State General Fund revenues by $1.5 million in FY 2026. If firefighters were to claim the maximum amount of $250 it would equate to approximately 6,000 individuals taking advantage of this tax credit. The bill would required $160,831 from the State General Fund in FY2016 to implement the bill and modify the automated tax system.
In response to a question, Ms. Smith noted the Department is concerned about the language regarding the prorated system but would follow the statute provisions. She noted it does also give the Department the ability to do Rules and Regulations for the tax credit.
Chairperson Smith stated the Committee will work with the Department of Revenue to provide clarification on the prorated system for exceeding the maximum credit amount.
Ms. Smith stood for questions from the Committee.
In response to a question, Ms. Smith stated the need for one additional full time employee (FTE) to answer questions from taxpayers and process 6,000 returns if the $250 tax credit is approved. The FTE would also provide assistance to approximately forty additional different tax credits on the books.
Becky Tuttle, Wichita City Councilwoman, testified as a proponent for HB2024 and introduced Tammy Snow, Wichita Fire Department Chief, Mr. Bush, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local Wichita, and several fire fighters from Wichita. Ms. Tuttle stated due to the growing concerns on the effects of cancer with Wichita firefighters, the Wichita Local 135 International Association of Firefighters began to discuss the need for cancer screening with Ascension Via Christie Hospital. Because of this discussion, an initiative was formed with the Wichita Local 135 IAFF to implement a comprehensive cancer screening education and support for the Wichita firefighters and their families fostering a culture of awareness, prevention and resilience. There are many toxic gases and chemicals the firefighters are exposed to as well as other carcinogens. The International Association of Firefighters reports cancer is now the leading cause of deaths among firefighters in the United States (Attachment 11). Ms. Tuttle stood for questions from Committee members.
Mike Day, Fire Captain of Community Risk Reduction, Olathe Fire Department, testified as a proponent for HB2024 noting he is a cancer survivor and was grateful for the support and medical care he received. Mr. Day stated he was fortunate to be able to afford the cost of his cancer screening whereas not everyone in the fire service can afford those extra costs. Providing a tax credit for firefighters will provide financial relief and incentive to individuals to obtain cancer screening (Attachment 12) Mr. Day stood for questions from Committee members.
In response to a question, a request was made to gather data on the number of screenings per year and the cost that is not reimbursed for firefighters.
Proponent written only testimony was submitted by the following:
Mark Engholm, State Fire Marshal, (Attachment 13)
Spencer Duncan, League of Kansas Municipalities, (Attachment 14)
Chairperson Smith closed the hearing for HB2024.
Chairperson Smith adjourned the meeting.
