Changing the total amount credited to the state gaming revenues fund, increasing the transfer of moneys from such fund to the correctional institutions building fund and decreasing the transfer of moneys to the state economic development initiatives fund.
Impact
If enacted, SB 275 would directly impact the financial resources allocated to the correctional institutions building fund and the state economic development initiatives fund. The increased funding for correctional institutions aims to address infrastructure needs, which could lead to improved facilities. Conversely, the reduction in funds for economic development initiatives may hinder the state’s capacity to foster growth and attract new businesses, raising concerns about the long-term economic implications of reduced investment in local enterprise support and development programs.
Summary
Senate Bill 275 is designed to amend the distribution of state gaming revenues. The bill proposes to increase the percentage of funds allocated to the correctional institutions building fund to 20% and decrease the amount transferred to the state economic development initiatives fund to 75%. This shift in funding priorities aims to support the development and maintenance of correctional facilities in Kansas, reflecting a legislative focus on improving state infrastructure associated with public safety.
Contention
The bill has sparked debate regarding priorities for state funding. Supporters argue that enhancing correctional facilities is a pressing need that cannot be overlooked, asserting that safe and functional institutions are critical to public safety and efficient correctional management. Meanwhile, opponents caution that the reduced allocation to economic development initiatives could stifle job creation and business growth in the state, potentially leading to negative economic repercussions. The balance between the necessity of correctional infrastructure and the importance of economic growth remains a significant point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill.
Abolishing the law enforcement training center fund; all liabilities of such fund are transferred to and imposed on the state general fund; moneys previously credited to such fund shall be credited to the state general fund.
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.
Establishing the state conservation fund and transferring $2,500,000 to such fund and providing for the enhanced transfer of moneys from the state general fund to the state water plan fund and from the state water plan fund to the water technical assistance fund and the water project grant fund.
Discontinuing the state property tax levies for the Kansas educational building fund and the state institutions building fund and providing for financing therefor from the state general fund.
Authorizing the secretary of commerce to enter into agreements with major professional sports franchises to establish STAR bond projects for a major professional sports complex, providing for additional revenue sources, expanding the powers and discretion of the secretary and making other changes to the STAR bonds financing act to facilitate such projects, limiting the secretary’s authority to approve such projects to one year unless extended by the legislative coordinating council, authorizing the Kansas development finance authority to issue STAR bonds for such projects, transferring funds under certain circumstances from the state gaming revenues fund to the attracting professional sports to Kansas fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and, if approved by the legislative coordinating council, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
Increasing transfers from the lottery operating fund, to the community crisis stabilization centers fund and the clubhouse model program fund of the Kansas department for aging and disability services.