Environment (Wildlife)

HB 2693 regulates how swine waste is applied to agricultural land in Kansas. It prohibits certain application methods (like high-pressure nozzles) and requires low-pressure nozzles under three feet, contour buffer strips on slopes ≥3%, and specific setbacks from homes, roads, parks, and wildlife refuges. The bill mandates that swine facilities with 1,000+ animal units submit detailed nutrient utilization plans - including soil tests, crop rotations, and application rates - to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for approval. These plans must be updated as needed and include measures to prevent odor or nuisance conditions for nearby residents. The law directly affects large swine operations and aims to manage waste application to protect land, water, and community health.

SB 403 creates two new distinctive license plates in Kansas for "Pheasants Forever" and "Quail Forever," supporting conservation groups. Kansas residents with eligible passenger vehicles or light trucks can apply for these plates by paying an extra $25-$100 fee (determined by the organizations) to their county treasurer, in addition to standard registration costs. The plates are non-transferable and require annual renewal with the same fee. This bill directly affects Kansas vehicle owners who choose to support these wildlife conservation initiatives through their license plate selection.

HB 2543 requires Kansas to annually reimburse the Department of Wildlife and Parks for revenue lost when new free or discounted hunting/fishing licenses, permits, or passes are created by law on or after July 1, 2027. The department must track these lost revenues, certify the amount by June 30 each year, and the state must transfer funds from the general budget to the wildlife fee fund. This applies only to licenses established by new legislation after 2027, not existing discounts. The accounting is subject to audit by the state treasurer.

HB 2268 restricts nonresident hunters from hunting migratory waterfowl (like ducks and geese) on most days during hunting seasons, allowing only Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. This applies to Kansas state lands, specific federal reservoirs managed by the Army Corps of Engineers or Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuges, but excludes walk-in hunting areas, navigable rivers, and light geese conservation seasons. The bill also reduces fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps, which nonresidents must purchase to hunt. It directly affects nonresidents who haven’t lived in Kansas for 60 days, excluding certain license holders as defined in the law.

HB 2097 creates a tax credit for Kansas landowners who manage property to support endangered species habitat. It allows credits against income tax for both property taxes paid on qualifying land and costs for habitat improvements, provided the land is designated as critical habitat by the Department of Wildlife and Parks and meets specific conservation standards. The bill requires the department to approve management plans and maintain a public website listing qualified programs. Landowners must submit annual requests by July 1 to qualify for the credit, which applies to properties enrolled in approved habitat conservation plans. The credit is limited to the taxpayer's income tax liability and cannot exceed state tax law limits.

HB 2063 establishes four conservation funds in Kansas: the State Conservation Fund, Working Lands Conservation Fund, Wildlife Conservation Fund, and Kansas Outdoors Fund. It allocates $60 million annually from the state general fund to the State Conservation Fund, with automatic transfers to the other three funds (50% to Working Lands, 25% to Wildlife, and the remainder to Kansas Outdoors) starting July 2025. The Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will administer these funds to support conservation projects on working lands, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation, including irrigation efficiency, soil health, and native grassland restoration. The bill prohibits using these funds for land acquisition or to replace existing state funding for these agencies.