Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2611

Introduced

1/25/24

Refer

1/25/24

Report Pass

1/31/24

Caption

Increasing the membership appointed by the governor on the council on travel and tourism and updating the house committee assignment required for house members from the committee on agriculture and natural resources to the committee on commerce, labor and economic development; reducing the required allocation of funds from the department of commerce's matching grant program for the promotion of tourism by public and nonprofit entities and removing the restriction on the percentage of such funds granted to a single entity.

Impact

One of the significant changes introduced by HB2611 is the alteration of the matching grant program, which is geared toward funding public and nonprofit entities that promote tourism. The bill reduces the allocation requirement for these entities and removes the prior restriction on the percentage of funds that could be granted to a single entity. This flexibility is anticipated to encourage more applicants and facilitate larger projects, potentially boosting local economies. Both public and private sector organizations are now eligible to apply, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity in funding opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 2611 aims to enhance tourism and economic development in Kansas by amending previous regulations governing the state's council on travel and tourism and its associated funding mechanisms. The bill proposes an increase in the council's membership from 17 to 20 voting members, which includes additional representations from various sectors within the tourism industry. This increase is designed to provide a broader perspective and enhance the council's effectiveness in promoting tourism and developing quality attractions across the state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, House Bill 2611 represents a concerted effort to position Kansas as a more competitive host for tourists and investors in the tourism sector. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, discussions will likely revolve around its potential impact on local economies, the equitable distribution of grants, and the effectiveness of a larger, more diverse council in addressing the diverse needs of the state's tourism landscape.

Contention

The bill's provisions are expected to bring about various points of contention, particularly regarding the distribution of public funds. Critics may express concerns over whether the changes will disproportionately favor certain organizations or lead to inefficiencies in fund allocation. There may also be debate over whether the inclusion of more members in the council will truly enhance its functionality or dilute accountability and oversight. Furthermore, the implications of using taxpayer money to support the tourism sector might be scrutinized, questioning if it aligns with the broader state economic strategies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB467

Increasing the membership appointed by the governor on the council on travel and tourism and updating the house committee assignment required for house members from the committee on agriculture and natural resources to the committee on commerce, labor and economic development;reducing the required allocation of funds from the department of commerce's matching grant program for the promotion of tourism by public and nonprofit entities and removing the restriction on the percentage of such funds granted to a single entity.

KS HB2037

Increasing the membership of the council on travel and tourism, updating the house legislative committee assignment required for council members appointed from the house, and removing provisions requiring allocation of funds from the matching grant program for the promotion of tourism for private, public and nonprofit entities and limiting the percentage of such funds granted to a single entity.

KS HB2346

Substitute for HB 2346 by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development - Establishing the Kansas sports tourism grant program administered by the secretary of commerce to provide matching grants to communities for developing and continuing sporting events, providing for funding of such grants from the state economic development initiatives fund or from the state general fund if funds are not available therefrom.

KS HB2344

Senate Substitute for HB 2344 by Committee on Commerce - Establishing child care licensing requirements relating to license capacity and staff-to-child ratios, eliminating certain license fees and training requirements, creating a process for day care facility licensees to apply for a temporary waiver of certain statutory requirements and authorizing the secretary to develop and operate pilot programs to increase child care facility availability or capacity.

KS HB2332

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.

KS HB2172

Senate Substitute for HB 2172 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Establishing the water program task force to evaluate the state's water program and funding for such program and requiring the task force to establish a water planning work group and submit a report the legislature and the governor.

KS HB1801

To Reorganize The Standing Committees And The Subject Matter Interim Committees Of The House Of Representatives; To Rename The Joint Committee On Energy And The Joint Interim Committee On Energy.

KS HR883

House Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism; create

KS SB01002

An Act Transferring The Office Of Workforce Competitiveness And Commission On Culture And Tourism To The Department Of Economic And Community Development And Other Changes To Economic Development Statutes.

KS HB2119

Requiring precinct committeemen and committeewomen to provide the county clerk with their address, phone number and email address.

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