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Minutes for SB26 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Increasing the vessel registration fee cap.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 25, 2017
Chairperson Petersen opened the hearing on this bill.
Scott Wells gave an overview, noting this bill would raise the vessel registration fee charged by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) from a maximum of $30.00 to a maximum of $60.00.
In response to questions, he said "vessel" is currently defined (in KSA 32-1102) as "any water craft designed to be propelled by machinery, oars, paddles, or wind action upon its sails for navigation." Mr. Wells indicated KDWPT will go into more detail in testimony on which vessels are required to register.
Christopher Tymeson, Chief Legal Counsel, KDWPT, gave proponent testimony (Attachment 1). There are approximately 90,000 mechanically-propelled and sailing vessels in the state which must be registered every three years. The statute was amended in 2001, and the last time boat registration fees were increased in Kansas was in 2006. KDWPT is a fee-funded agency, and the proposed limit of $60.00 is an arbitrary number. There is danger of not having matching fees to capture the federal dollars for which these registration fees are used. There are two programs for which KDWPT provides boater access by building ramps: 1) motor boat access with a 75% match through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and 2) the U.S. Coast Guard which is a 50% match. If the funding is not matched in the three-year period, the money goes back to the federal government and is used in some other way. He noted the KDWPT Commission would have to approve any increase in the registration fee after public comment, as fees are set in rules and regulations.
Mr. Tymeson stood for questions. Senator Schmidt noted that in 2012, a constitutional amendment passed concerning property tax on boats because there were so many boats registered out-of-state. Mr Tymeson said those people are bringing their boats back to Kansas over time. A boat with principal use in a state for 60 days must register in that state. For example, a person who leaves a boat at the person's house at Grand Lake must be registered in Oklahoma. Some people have upgraded their vessels since 2012 because the tax base is lower. This will have to be analyzed over the long term.
In response to a question about the anticipated fee increase and how that fee would compare to those in nearby states, Mr. Tymeson said the fee probably would be $40.00, an increase of $3.33 per year of registration. Every state is different. Some states base registration on class and length of boat and Kansas abandoned that about 15 years ago. For Colorado, if it is under 20 feet, it is $35; if over, it is $45. Missouri is $58, Nebraska is $46, and North Dakota is $45. Oklahoma registration fees are based on the value of the boat and motor and it is up to $151.00 for a three-year registration. Without the value of the boat applied to the formula, the figure could not be obtained.
Senator Schmidt asked, in regard to reverting federal funds for lack of matching funds, how the funds must be used. Mr. Tymeson said there are many matching funds, but boating money must be used for boating access, boating projects, boating enforcement, marking buoys, etc. When looking at access projects, such as a boat ramp on a river or a lake, KDWPT staff steer steer towards motor boat access through U.S. Fish and Wildlife which is a 75% match rather than the U.S. Coast Guard which is a 50% match.
Senator Hawk asked whether Kansas registers canoes, kayaks, or rowboats. Mr. Tymeson said Kansas does not, but some states do. If a rowboat has a motor, it is registered.
Senator Tyson asked about the 2012 request for an increase in license fees which was coupled with a National Rifle Association bill. Mr. Tymeson said a license fee increase doubled senior licenses for persons age 65-75, and changed to $40 (half price) for a one-time lifetime license for fishing/hunting. Senator Tyson said she is still getting negative comments as a result of that fee increase. She added the bill being considered will impact the same individuals--seniors.
Senator Tyson asked how much state funding is spent trying to meet federal guidelines and regulations so the state can capture federal money. Mr. Tymeson said the KDWPT is fee-funded, receives about $1 million a year from the U.S. Coast Guard, and the required match is 50%.
Senator Tyson asked about walk-in hunting paid ten years in advance. Mr. Tymeson said Senator Roberts championed a program, Voluntary Public Access for ten years, and this uses federal funds. Senator Petersen said many calls were received, but after they were called back and it was explained, constituents were satisfied.
Senator Pettey asked what constituents will realize for the money being matched. Mr. Tymeson replied that examples are boat ramps on federal reservoirs, community lakes, and the Kansas River; boating safety enforcement; recovery on those injured or killed---all so Kansans can recreate safely. He added this would be jeopardized if the funds are not matched.
Senator Fitzgerald asked about the budget and backlog on projects. Mr. Tymeson said KDWPT spends about $1 million a year on projects in its 10-year capital improvement program, and there are projects waiting in the wings when funding is available. One lake may have higher use and its projects become higher priority. Mr. Tymeson said he does not have the budget balance today.
Senator Fitzgerald said his concern is rationale to get more money from residents so KDWPT gets more money from the federal government. Where is the value to Kansas of federal money? Mr. Tymeson replied the value is constituents get to recreate in a great state. Recreation generates over $1 billion dollars in hunting and fishing alone.
Senator Hardy indicated he was a frequent user of reservoirs and has seen evidence of those projects, Projects stay on a waiting list if there are no funds. Having money to put into these projects benefits all boaters, swimmers, and others that visit state lakes. It is money that is working for the citizens of Kansas.
Senator Pettey asked about fee increase processes. Mr. Tymeson stated any increase will go through the rules and regulations process via the Commission, and the Legislators can comment at that time.
Senator Peterson asked how much will it take to maximize current federal funding. Mr. Tymeson said he doesn't know, but the next increase is likely to be around $10.00.
Mr. Tymeson replied to Senator Hawk that the vehicle registration is $30.00 for a three-year period, or $10.00 a year.
There were no other proponents, no opponents, and no neutral testimony.
The hearing was closed.
