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 domestic water quality sampling. Additionally, conservation districts are required to provide water quality sampling data to the state geological survey, and the division of conservation will adopt rules for administering the fund.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the state water plan fund, increasing the transfer from the state general fund to $55,000,000 on July 1, 2025, and subsequent years. It allows for the appropriation of up to 10% of the unencumbered balance of the state water plan fund to supplement salaries for state agency positions related to the state water plan. Furthermore, it encourages collaboration between conservation districts and nonprofit entities for projects that enhance water quality and quantity, while also establishing grant programs for stockwatering conservation projects. The provisions of this act will expire on July 1, 2028, at which point certain funds will be abolished and their liabilities transferred to the state water plan fund.

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