The bill establishes a new state conservation fund within the state treasury, which will receive $2,500,000 annually from the state general fund starting July 1, 2025, to support conservation programs. This fund is intended to supplement existing appropriations for the Kansas Department of Agriculture and will be used for matching state funds with nonstate or private funds for water quality sampling and other conservation efforts. Additionally, conservation districts are required to provide water quality sampling data to the state geological survey.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the state water plan fund, increasing the annual transfers from the state general fund to $55,000,000 for the fiscal years 2025 through 2027. It allows for the appropriation of up to 10% of the unencumbered balance of the state water plan fund to support salaries for state agency employees involved in implementing the state water plan. Furthermore, it encourages collaboration between conservation districts and nonprofit entities for projects that enhance water quality and infrastructure, while also establishing grant programs for stockwatering conservation projects. The existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 82a-955 is repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-5
As Amended by House Committee: 74-5