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Minutes for HB2201 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Providing for the FFA distinctive license plate.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Chairperson Petersen called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m. and opened the hearing on HB2201.
Assistant Revisor Adam Siebers briefed the Committee on the bill (Attachment 1). He explained that the bill provides for the FFA distinctive license plate. The applicant for a plate must pay the normal registration fees and also a logo use royalty fee; the latter fee may be waived if the applicant provides an authorized statement from the FFA Foundation that such royalty fee was paid to the Foundation. Fees paid to the county treasurers would be remitted to the State Treasurer, who will create a royalty fund for the Foundation.
Beth Gaines, Executive Director, Kansas FFA Foundation, testified as a proponent for the bill (Attachment 2). Noting that 103 of Kansas' 105 counties currently provide agricultural education for students, she commented on the value of the FFA beyond the classroom in shaping the next generation of leaders and workforce professionals.
Laura Miller, President, Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators, spoke in support of the bill (Attachment 3). She explained that the FFA currently has 232 chapters with a membership of 13,641. The FFA continues to expand in both numbers and leadership qualities associated with agriculture, which she called the backbone of the Kansas economy. She said the plate will enhance the stature of the FFA and provide a wider public awareness of its significance.
Linda Chase, Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators, offered support for the bill (Attachment 4). As a 27-year teacher of agricultural education, she reported that she has witnessed first hand the profound impact that FFA has on young lives. She said the bill will provide a creative way for individuals to show support for the FFA and honor FFA values.
Quinn Browning, Kansas FFA State Secretary, spoke in support of the bill (Attachment 5). She called the plate a symbol of support for agricultural education and leadership development; it will contribute to scholarships and career development and broaden support for the FFA mission.
Natalee Bray, Kansas State Sentinel, speaking as a proponent, acknowledged the agricultural origins of FFA and stated that its impact reaches far beyond the classroom; it provides training for leadership, service to the community, and opportunity for personal and professional growth (Attachment 6). She said that the bill will create a sustainable way to invest in youth success.
Haley Hines, Kansas FFA State Vice President, recounted her family history with the FFA; she said that the organization empowers students to devlope determination, passion, leadership, and grit (Attachment 7).
The following written-only proponent testimony was provided:
- Karl Dawn Stover, Agricultural Education Instructor, Beloit (Attachment 8);
- Claudia Hissong, Kansas Farm Bureau (Attachment 9); and
- Sage Toews, Kansas State University Fellow, Kansas Grain and Feed Association (Attachment 10).
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2201.
