The 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.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes related to the state matching grant program for tourism promotion, which will now allow both public and private entities to apply for grants without the previous limitations on the percentage of funds allocated to specific types of entities. The secretary of commerce is tasked with administering the program and may establish criteria for grant qualification. The bill also repeals the existing sections of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 32-1410 and 32-1420, streamlining the legal framework governing tourism development in the state.

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