SESSION OF 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 370
As Amended by Senate Committee on Federal
and State Affairs

Brief*
SB 370, as amended, would require Legislative approval
for the following actions related to National Heritage Areas or
National Historic Trails:
● Any designation by the National Park Service of
any National Heritage Area or National Historic
Trail that extends beyond federal land within the
State of Kansas;
● The use of any state funds to be used as matching
funds for federal moneys for National Heritage
Areas, National Historic Trails, or any similar
successor designated areas; and
● The inclusion of any state lands, water, property, or
facilities in any designated National Historic Areas,
National Historic Trails, or any similar or successor
designated areas.
Background
The bill was introduced by the Senate Committee on
Federal and State Affairs at the request of Senator
Thompson.
[Note: Provisions of the bill are similar to those in HB
2476.]
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*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research
Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental
note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at
http://www.kslegislature.org
Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs
In the Senate Committee hearing, proponent testimony
was provided by Representative Fairchild, Representative
Schmoe, and two private citizens. Proponents generally
stated the bill would help prevent private property rights from
being infringed upon and promote fiscal responsibility and
local control.
Written-only proponent testimony was provided by
representatives of the Coffey County Commissioners,
Convention of States Kansas, and Kansas Cattlemen’s
Association, and eight private citizens.
Neutral testimony was provided by two representatives
of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA)
Board of Trustees, who stated FFNHA does not receive state
funds and expressed concerns about the findings the bill
would make.
Written-only opponent testimony was provided by a
representative of the Western Cattle Trail Association.
The Senate Committee amended the bill to remove the
provisions making findings about National Heritage Areas and
National Historic Trails.

Fiscal Information
According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of
the Budget on the bill, as introduced, the Kansas Department
of Transportation, Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the
Adjutant General’s Department indicate enactment of the bill
would have no effect on agency operations, revenues, or
expenditures. Any fiscal effect associated with the bill is not
reflected in The FY 2025 Governor’s Budget Report.


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 The Kansas Association of Counties indicates that the
bill could prevent counties from getting certain federal grants,
and private citizens would not be able to allow their land to be
designated as a National Heritage Area without legislative
approval. The League of Kansas Municipalities states the bill
would not have a fiscal effect on cities.
Legislature; National Heritage Area; National Historic Trail; legislative approval


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