KS SCR1605

Proposes amending Article 9 of the Kansas Constitution to grant counties constitutional home rule authority, elevating current statutory powers to constitutional status effective July 1, 2027

Counties would be empowered to determine local affairs, levy taxes, fees, and charges through governing body resolutions, subject only to uniform statewide laws or laws applying uniformly to county classes (maximum of four classes permitted)

Counties could adopt charter resolutions by two-thirds vote to exempt themselves from non-uniform state laws and enact substitute provisions, with resolutions published for two consecutive weeks before taking effect

Charter resolutions face a 60-day waiting period during which voters may petition for referendum with signatures from 10% of voters in the last county election; elections must be held within 90 days of petition filing

Requires two-thirds approval from both legislative chambers and submission to voters at the November 2026 general election (or earlier special election if called)