Bill > HB2097

This bill modifies the existing Kansas income tax credit for landowners who support nongame and endangered species habitat by updating the qualification requirements and approval process. Specifically, the bill requires that qualifying land must be both designated as critical habitat for a threatened or endangered species by the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks and included in a recovery plan or management agreement approved by the department. The bill introduces a new process where the department of wildlife and parks will develop and publish a list of qualified programs and management plans on their website, and allows conservation organizations to request consideration for qualification by submitting an application by July 1st of the preceding year. The bill extends the applicability of these tax credits to taxable years commencing after December 31, 2025, and provides two types of potential tax credits: one for lands supporting endangered species habitat and another for properties enrolled in programs providing public access for activities like hunting and fishing, with the credit amount based on ad valorem taxes paid and the duration of program participation. The goal appears to be providing financial incentives for private landowners to participate in conservation efforts while ensuring rigorous standards are maintained for qualifying lands and programs.

Budget and Finance

Taxation (H)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2097/