TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 17, which updates the Kansas Reinvestment Housing Incentive District Act (RHID) to open up the program to the entire state and adds guardrails to prioritize the development of affordable housing. RHID provides local government a financing tool to work with developers to address housing shortages.

“The best way to grow the economy is to make sure our workforce has access to affordable housing,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “After landing some of the largest economic development projects in our state’s history, we must have the resources in place for workers to fill those roles, and that means making sure we have accessible housing in every corner of the state. I am pleased the legislature came together to address this need for Kansans to keep our economy growing.”   

“To retain and attract a skilled workforce and continue Kansas’ growing economy affordable housing options are necessary,” Senator Rob Olson, Kansas Senate District 23, said. “I am pleased with the Legislature’s work and Governor Kelly signing this bill as it will bring additional development and construction jobs and housing options across the state.”     

In addition to Senate Bill 17, Governor Kelly also signed the following bills:  

Senate Sub for House Bill 2053: Creates a state-funded presidential primary to be held on March 19, 2024, and establishes voter registration and voting procedures for such election.  

House Sub for Senate Bill 229: Establishes a nine-member commission to study the compensation and benefits of legislative members and establishes compensation rates for state officials to make rates competitive and to entice more people to participate in public service leadership.

Senate Bill 243: Updates requirements and procedures for settlement agreements involving a minor.

House Sub for Senate Bill 244: Makes technical updates to several codes and statutes, including the Kansas General Corporation Code, the Business Entity Transactions Act, the Business Entity Standard Treatment Act, the Kansas Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, and the Kansas Uniform Partnership Act.