Kansas agency criticizes Legislature in fight over pizza magnate's $42 million tax bill

TOPEKA -- A state agency says Kansas lawmakers approved an unconstitutional bill that may result in the state having to pay back $42 million to a former pizza magnate.

The Kansas Department of Revenue says the Legislature used a tactic attacked by transparency advocates and made other questionable moves to stuff the bill with more than one topic. That would violate the state constitution.

The 2016 bill — which is now law — gives businessman Gene Bicknell a new day in court to fight a years-long dispute with the revenue department over a $42 million tax bill.

The decision by the agency to argue the law is unconstitutional comes as Gov. Jeff Colyer and lawmakers have preached the value of transparency. Both Colyer and the Legislature have taken steps to increase open government this year.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article209889919.html