Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2817

Introduced
2/29/24  
Refer
2/29/24  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2028

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.

KS HB2671

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.

KS HB2039

Designating Lehigh Portland state park and exempting disabled veterans from certain requirements and fees relating to hunting and fishing licenses.

KS HB2672

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.

KS HB2268

Prohibiting nonresidents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and places and increasing fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.

KS SB213

Prohibiting nonresidents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and places and increasing fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.

KS HB4086

Game and fish; commercial licenses; hunting licenses; fishing licenses; expiration dates; fees; Wildlife Land Acquisition Fund; Wildlife Heritage Fund; Oklahoma Wildlife Land Fund; effective dates.

KS HB3856

Wildlife; five-day paper license to licensed commercial hunt area; fees; issuance; effective date.

KS SB1857

Wildlife; increasing fees for certain hunting licenses. Effective date.

KS HB5571

FISH&WILDLIFE-LICENSE FEES

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