The bill amends the Kansas conservation reserve enhancement program (CREP) by increasing the acreage cap from 40,000 to 60,000 acres and clarifying the county acreage cap, allowing for the last eligible offer for enrollment to exceed these caps. It removes the limitation on acres eligible for CREP enrollment based on expired federal contracts and introduces a general ineligibility criterion based on federal ineligibility. Additionally, the bill permits CREP contracts for dryland farming or limited irrigation aimed at achieving water quantity goals and eliminates the prohibition on government-owned water rights participating in CREP. The reporting requirements are modified to cover the preceding five years, and exceptions to eligibility criteria are allowed based on specific circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies existing criteria related to water right usage, sanctions, and reporting, and it allows for the enrollment of up to 1,600 acres in one county in a calendar year under certain conditions. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is tasked with submitting annual reports on CREP activities and economic impacts every five years. The bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2-1933 and establishes new provisions to enhance the effectiveness of the CREP in addressing water quality and quantity issues in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 2-1933
As Amended by House Committee: 2-1933