The bill amends the Kansas conservation reserve enhancement program (CREP) to increase the acreage cap from 40,000 to 60,000 acres and clarifies the county acreage cap, allowing for the last eligible offer for enrollment that exceeds these caps to be approved. 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 allows for CREP contracts that support dryland farming or limited irrigation aimed at achieving water quantity goals, and it removes 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.

Key changes include the insertion of new language that specifies that no more than 1,600 acres may be enrolled in one county in a calendar year unless certain conditions are met, and the division may approve contracts for dryland farming or limited irrigation. The bill also clarifies that lands ineligible under federal law cannot be enrolled in CREP. Furthermore, it mandates that the Kansas Department of Agriculture submit annual reports on CREP activities and economic impacts every five years, ensuring transparency and accountability in the program's implementation.

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