Brief(1)
S.B. 70 would eliminate the Kansas resident requirement in the term "tenant" under the provision of law relating to the acquisition of "hunt-on-your-own-land" big game permits. A person would have to meet the other requirements of the definition, but no longer would have to be a Kansas resident.
In addition, the bill would delete the requirement that a fee be paid when a landowner or tenant wishes to transfer a hunt-on-your-own-land deer permit.
Further, a provision in the bill would require it to be the goal of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) to manage big game populations at levels consistent with existing habitat and landowner and community tolerance. This provision would authorize the Secretary of KDWP to issue big game control permits, in addition to big game permits and game tags issued during regularly designated hunting seasons. The bill would allow the Secretary to designate the period of time, the location, and the number and type of big game that may be harvested. Use of these big game permits would require the permission of the landowner or tenant of the property where they are to be used. Further, the provision would require the Secretary to consult with representatives of farming and ranching organizations, county and city government associations, and hunting organizations in the development, modification, and implementation of a big game control permit program and would allow the Secretary to implement appropriate rules and regulations. These rules and regulations would not require an applicant to attempt to alleviate a problem with big game using any means other than hunting during the regular firearm season for the species of big game which is the problem.
Background
The original bill was introduced at the request of a spokesperson from the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA). During the hearing on the bill, a representative of the KLA stated that the amendment was designed to assure that any qualified person, regardless of address, would be able to obtain a big game "hunt-on-your-own-land permit." Also appearing in support of the bill was a spokesperson from the Kansas Farm Bureau.
At the hearing on the original bill, a spokesperson from the Department of Kansas Wildlife and Parks appeared and indicated that the agency had no position on the bill. This conferee stated that if an individual does have primary responsibility for an agricultural operation on land in Kansas, and would otherwise meet the definition of tenant under current law, the agency does agree that it is appropriate for that person to be eligible to receive a landowner/tenant permit regardless of the person's actual residency status.
The fiscal note on the bill indicates that there would be a $2,500 increase in revenues to the Wildlife Fee Fund beginning in FY 2000.
The House Committee on Environment amended the provisions of Sub. for H.B. 2480 into this bill.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html.