Removing the maximum fee amount for controlled shooting area operator licenses and allowing the secretary of wildlife and parks to adjust such license fee amount on an annual basis to cover any projected loss of revenue caused by enactments concerning wildlife fees by the legislature.
Impact
The implications of HB 2817 largely revolve around the economic aspects of wildlife management in Kansas. By enabling adjustable fee structures, the bill seeks to create a more flexible financial environment for wildlife management operations. This is particularly important for ensuring ongoing funding for conservation efforts and the maintenance of wildlife habitats. It could also potentially lead to increased revenue for the state if demand for controlled shooting area permits rises, given that fees will no longer be static.
Summary
House Bill 2817 introduces significant changes to the licensing fees for controlled shooting area operators in Kansas. The bill removes the maximum fee cap for these operators, which previously was set at $400, and empowers the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to adjust the fee on an annual basis. This change is aimed at adapting to any projected loss of revenue resulting from legislative enactments relating to wildlife fees, ensuring that the department can maintain its funding and operational requirements. Such provisions reflect a proactive approach to addressing the financial stability of wildlife management in the state.
Contention
Despite its intended benefits, the bill may face criticism from various stakeholders. Opponents could raise concerns about the lack of a maximum fee, arguing that it may lead to exorbitant licensing costs that could disenfranchise smaller operators or those new to the shooting industry. Additionally, the decision to grant the Secretary broad discretionary powers to modify fees without stringent oversight could provoke debate regarding transparency and public accountability in wildlife management practices.
Reviving a law providing for discounted hunting and fishing licenses for persons who are 65 years of age or older; changing the amount charged for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for children five and younger to $300 and for those children ages six to 15 to $400, prohibiting non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl on public lands during the hunting season except on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays; raising certain hunting fees; and requiring the department of wildlife and parks to report to the house and senate committees on agriculture and natural resources on the impact of limiting out of state waterfowl hunters.
Requiring the nonresident hunting license fee be refunded to any person who enters the deer permit draw and does not acquire a white-tailed deer permit for the applicable hunting license year.
Establishing transferable landowner appreciation permits for the hunting of white-tailed deer and allowing one landowner appreciation permit for every contiguous 80 deeded acres of land owned, up to two permits, for a fee of not to exceed $25.