Authorizing the Kansas department of wildlife and parks to purchase land in Jewell county.
Impact
The passing of SB105 is expected to facilitate enhancements in the management of wildlife habitats and natural resources within Jewell County. By allowing the Department of Wildlife and Parks to acquire this land, the state aims to bolster conservation efforts and promote recreational activities. Such developments could enhance local tourism and contribute to the economic stability of the region through increased visitor engagement with the natural environment.
Summary
Senate Bill 105 authorizes the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to purchase a specified tract of land located in Jewell County. The bill outlines the legal description of the property to be acquired, which spans approximately 264.1 acres. This acquisition is subject to existing regulations, specifically K.S.A. 32-833, ensuring compliance with state law governing land purchases by wildlife agencies. Notably, the bill provides flexibility for the department to correct any inaccuracies in the legal description of the parcel prior to finalizing the purchase, allowing for administrative efficiency.
Contention
While the bill appears straightforward in its intent, it may attract scrutiny from local stakeholders concerned with land use and management priorities in Jewell County. The absence of public dissent in the recorded discussions suggests a general acceptance or limited contention surrounding the bill. Still, potential debates could arise regarding the implications of state land acquisition on local property rights and the stewardship of natural resources, particularly if future plans for land use could conflict with local interests.
Establishing various conservation funds, allocating state moneys for conservation, requiring reports to the governor and legislature, and authorizing fund transfers and providing for the use of such funds by the Kansas department of agriculture and the Kansas department of wildlife and parks.
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.
Establishing the state conservation fund, the working lands conservation fund, the wildlife conservation fund and the Kansas outdoors fund, providing for the use of moneys from such funds, requiring certain reports to the governor and the legislature and authorizing certain transfers to and from such funds.
Abolishing the current wildlife and parks; commission; creating a new Kansas wildlife and parks commission; granting appointment authority to multiple state officers; authorizing the commission to elect a chairperson.
Providing membership in the Kansas police and firemen's retirement system for certain security officers of the department of corrections and for certain law enforcement officers and employees of the Kansas department of wildlife and parks.
Providing membership affiliation in the Kansas police and firemen's retirement system for certain law enforcement officers and employees of the Kansas department of wildlife and parks.
Authorizing the secretary of administration on behalf of the Kansas department for aging and disability services to convey lands in Shawnee county to the Kansas commission on veterans affairs.