Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission to Meet More Frequently

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission to Meet More Frequently

PRATT – In response to Kansas House Bill (HB) No. 2280 – which was signed by Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. on May 18, 2018 and became law on June 7, 2018 – the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will begin meeting more frequently. The Commission, which previously met six times a year, will move to a new schedule beginning with its November 15, 2018 meeting in Russell so that the Commission has ample time to meet the legislation’s demands, and not adversely affect the business of the Commission, which includes approving statewide hunting and fishing seasons.

HB 2280 poses new requirements for the addition or modification to the rules and regulations of Kansas’ Executive Branch agencies, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), which will lengthen the period of time it takes KDWPT to complete the regulatory process. New changes as a result of HB 2280 include, but are not limited to:

  • Revisions to the way economic impact statements are written
  • Prior approval from the Director of the Budget before the proposed rule or regulation is submitted to the Secretary of Administration and Attorney General
  • An additional public hearing for proposed rules and regulations determined to have an economic impact exceeding $3 million

At its August 2, 2018 meeting in Medicine Lodge, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission agreed to cancel its previously scheduled October 25, 2018 meeting to adhere to the new requirements. The Commission will resume its meetings as follows:

November 15, 2018 – Russell (Exact location to be determined), 1:30 p.m.

December 13, 2018 – Wichita, Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St. N, 1:30 p.m.

January 17, 2019 – Lawrence (Exact location to be determined), 1:30 p.m.

February 21, 2019 – Salina (Exact location to be determined), 1:30 p.m.

March 28, 2019 – Topeka (Exact location to be determined), 1:30 p.m.

April 25, 2019 – Colby (Exact location to be determined), 1:30 p.m.

For more on the KDWPT Commission, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission.

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