The bill establishes a state conservation fund within the state treasury, which will receive a transfer of $2,500,000 from the state general fund each July 1, starting July 1, 2025. This fund is intended to match nonstate or private funding for conservation programs and to support domestic water quality sampling. 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 transfer amounts from the state general fund to $55,000,000 for the fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027, while repealing previous provisions related to these transfers.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the Kansas water authority's ability to recommend appropriations from the state water plan fund for salaries of state agency employees involved in implementing the state water plan. It encourages collaboration between conservation districts and nonprofit entities for projects that enhance water quality and quantity. The bill also mandates that all reporting requirements for the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund remain in effect, ensuring accountability in the use of these funds. The provisions of this act will expire on July 1, 2028, at which point the funds will be transferred back to the state water plan fund, and the technical assistance and projects grant funds will be abolished.

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