The bill will amend existing laws and directly impact state parks' management and operations. By designating certain parks and ensuring they cannot be removed without legislative consent, the bill reinforces the importance of these areas for public recreation and wildlife habitat preservation. Laws regarding the operational hours of parks, particularly the Kaw River State Park, will also be addressed, enabling more structured access in conjunction with local city resources.
Summary
House Bill 2331 focuses on state park management in Kansas, with specific amendments regarding the designation of the Lehigh Portland State Park as part of the state's park system. It also outlines that no state park can be removed from the system without legislative approval, thereby solidifying legislative oversight in the preservation of state parks. This move indicates a commitment to maintaining public access to recreational sites and the protection of natural resources in the state.
Contention
While the bill has generally garnered support within the legislature, concerns may arise regarding the implications of state control over local parks. Critics of similar measures in the past have pointed out that state-level decisions can sometimes overlook localized needs and specific community preferences regarding park management. This balance between state oversight and community input could be a future point of contention as parks are designated and managed.
Updating references and corresponding changes related to 2021 Executive Reorganization Order No. 48 and the transfer of the division of tourism from the department of wildlife and parks to the department of commerce.
House Substitute for SB 127 by Committee on Taxation - Reducing penalties for the late filing of or the failure to file property tax statements listing property for assessment and the discovery of escaped property and reporting changes after initial statement, decreasing the penalties for failing to timely remit withholding income taxes of employees by employers and providing a sales tax exemption for sales of property and services used in the provision of communications services.
Senate Substitute for HB 2125 by Committee on Assessment and Taxation - Modifying the deadline for mailing property tax statements to taxpayers and the deadline for governing bodies to certify the amount of property tax to be levied to the county clerk, providing for the county clerk's use of the previous year's budget when a taxing subdivision fails to timely file its budget, modifying the content requirements of the revenue neutral rate hearing notice for property tax purposes, extending reimbursement from the taxpayer notification costs fund for printing and postage costs for county clerks for calendar years 2025 and 2026, prohibiting a filing fee when a previous appeal remains pending before the board of tax appeals and authorizing the continuation of the 20-mill statewide property tax levy for schools.
Providing countywide retailers' sales tax authority for Finney, Pawnee, Seward and Jackson counties, providing that countywide retailers' sales tax apportionment based on tangible property tax levies remain unchanged until December 31, 2026, and excluding exempt sales of certain custom meat processing services from sales tax exemption certificate requirements.