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.
Impact
The bill proposes significant fiscal support for water quality initiatives by enhancing appropriations dedicated to the state's water plan. This includes a detailed structure for the funding transfer to various water-related aid programs, such as the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund. The funding allocations aim to ensure effective management and development of water resources, which are critical for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in Kansas.
Summary
House Bill 2113 seeks to enhance the financial mechanisms for water conservation efforts by establishing a state conservation fund to match federal funding for soil conservation districts. Effective July 1, 2025, the bill mandates the transfer of $5,000,000 annually from the state general fund to this conservation fund, with an intention to support domestic water quality sampling and other conservation initiatives. The legislative intent is to bolster existing conservation efforts using a matching scheme of $2 in state funds for every $1 in non-state or private funds provided during program implementation.
Contention
Amendments brought forth by HB2113 also foresee the sunset of the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund by July 1, 2028. This proposal has raised discussions around the long-term implications of relying on state funding for conservation programs, particularly regarding local autonomy in managing water resources. Critics may argue that while initial funding appears beneficial, the sunset provision might jeopardize ongoing conservation initiatives by limiting future financial resources. Additionally, the focus on matching funds introduces a reliance on private entities, which may not appeal to all stakeholders, particularly those concerned with equitable access to resources and support.
Senate Substitute for HB 2302 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Making appropriations for the state treasurer for fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024, providing for a transfer of moneys from the state general fund to the state water plan fund for fiscal year 2024, establishing the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund for water-related infrastructure projects.
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.
Discontinuing 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.
Creating the statewide drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) program educator position, establishing the drug abuse resistance education fund and providing funding for such fund by annual transfer of state moneys.
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.
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.
Abolishing the 911 coordinating council and establishing the state 911 board; abolishing the 911 operations fund, 911 state fund and 911 state grant fund outside of the state treasury and establishing the state 911 operations fund, state 911 fund and state 911 grant fund in the state treasury; increasing the minimum county distribution of 911 moneys; and authorizing counties to contract with other counties for the provision of 911 PSAP services.
Enacting the Kansas campus restoration act to address deferred maintenance at state educational institutions, establishing the Kansas campus restoration fund in the state treasury and authorizing certain transfers from the state general fund to such fund.