By Scout Nelson
The Kansas House Committee on Agriculture is actively reviewing several key bills that impact farming, wildlife, and rural development across the state. Meetings are held daily at 3:30 p.m. in Room 112-N, and the public can access agendas, testimony submissions, and livestreams. Testimony must be submitted in PDF format to H.Agriculture@house.ks.gov.
The committee is currently discussing House Bill 2012, which proposes an ethanol grant program. If passed, it would establish a fund transferring up to $5 million each year starting in 2026 to support ethanol-related projects.
HB2063 addresses water and land conservation by creating new funds, requiring reports to the governor, and enabling fund transfers for use by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Another focus is on wildlife regulation. SB213 and HB2268 both aim to restrict nonresidents from hunting migratory waterfowl during specific times while also increasing habitat stamp fees.
HB2114 empowers the chief engineer to enforce rules under the Watershed District Act and inspect dams, enhancing safety measures across rural areas.
HB2135 focuses on industrial hemp regulation, making certain laws effective only if Kansas’s federal hemp plan remains active.
Meanwhile, HB2161 offers income tax credits for using biodiesel and renewable diesel in vehicles, encouraging cleaner fuel use.
The committee is also considering rural development with HB2174, proposing financial support for lawyers and law students who agree to practice law in rural Kansas.
Other unique proposals include HB2297, which would allow raccoon ownership with strict health and breeding rules, and HB2254, ensuring milk processors hold payments in trust until dairy farmers are paid.
Through these bills, the Kansas House Agriculture Committee is shaping a future of innovation, sustainability, and protection for the state’s farming community.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy