This bill aims to enhance economic development in Kansas by revising the structure and funding of the Council on Travel and Tourism. It increases the council's membership from 17 to 20 voting members, updating the house committee assignment for its members from the committee on agriculture and natural resources to the committee on commerce, labor, and economic development. Additionally, the bill removes the previous restrictions on the percentage of funds that could be granted to any single entity or type of entity, allowing for more flexibility in funding allocations.

The bill also amends existing statutes related to tourism grants, establishing a state matching grant program to support the promotion of tourism and the development of quality tourist attractions. It specifies that grants can cover up to 40% of project costs and allows both public and private entities to apply. Notably, the previous requirement that at least 75% of grant funds be allocated to public entities or tax-exempt organizations has been removed, along with the cap that limited grants to any single entity to 20%. The bill repeals the existing sections of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 32-1410 and 32-1420, thereby updating the legal framework governing tourism in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 32-1410, 32-1420
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 32-1410, 32-1420
Enrolled: 32-1410, 32-1420