The bill establishes several new funds within the state treasury of Kansas, including the state conservation fund, working lands conservation fund, wildlife conservation fund, and Kansas outdoors fund. The state conservation fund will receive $16 million annually from the state gaming revenues fund starting June 25, 2026, and will be used exclusively for conservation programs without supplanting existing appropriations. The bill also outlines the distribution of funds from the state conservation fund to the working lands conservation fund (50%), wildlife conservation fund (25%), and Kansas outdoors fund (25%) each year. Additionally, the bill mandates that all funds allocated to these conservation efforts must be fully obligated within 12 months and includes provisions for annual reporting on expenditures and applications.

The working lands conservation fund and wildlife conservation fund will be administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, respectively, with both funds supporting grant programs aimed at promoting conservation and enhancing natural resources. Eligible applicants for these grants include public entities and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on projects that improve biodiversity, habitat, and outdoor access. The bill also emphasizes the importance of leveraging federal and private matching funds for these projects. Lastly, the provisions of the bill are set to expire on July 1, 2031, unless renewed or amended.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by House Committee: 79-4801