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HB 2097

Relating to Vehicular Homicide

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Kump and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 2097 reinstates tax credits for habitat management, encouraging conservation of endangered species in Kansas while providing financial relief to property owners.

To House Judiciary
#crime
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Bill Summary · HB 2097

Summary of House Bill 2097: Relating to Vehicular Homicide

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 2097
- Title: Relating to Vehicular Homicide
- Status: To House Judiciary
- Introduced: January 27, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Crime

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2097 aims to amend existing tax credit provisions related to habitat management for nongame and endangered species. The bill seeks to reinstate tax credits that were previously available to taxpayers and to introduce new credits for property enrolled in specific wildlife management programs. This initiative is designed to encourage conservation efforts and improve habitat for threatened and endangered species in Kansas.

Key Provisions

  1. Reinstatement of Tax Credits:

    • The bill reinstates tax credits for expenditures related to qualified habitat management plans starting from tax year 2026.
    • Tax credits will be non-refundable and cannot be carried forward.

  2. Eligibility Criteria:

    • Qualified land must be designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an ecoregion containing threatened or endangered species.
    • The Department of Wildlife and Parks will provide a list of approved programs and management plans that meet ecological standards.

  3. New Tax Credit for Public Access Programs:

    • A new tax credit will be available for property enrolled in programs that provide public access for hunting, fishing, or other uses.
    • The credit amount will be based on property taxes paid and the duration of enrollment in the program.

  4. Management Plan Requirements:

    • The bill outlines specific management plan requirements and qualification standards for conservation organizations.
    • Conservation organizations can submit requests for qualification by July 1 of the current year.

  5. Repeal of Outdated Provisions:

    • The bill repeals outdated language related to previous tax credits for habitat management costs.

Fiscal Impact

  • The Department of Revenue estimates a decrease in State General Fund revenues by $100,000 for both FY 2027 and FY 2028 due to the implementation of these tax credits.
  • Implementation costs for the Department of Revenue are projected to be $217,891 in FY 2026, requiring the hiring of one new full-time employee (FTE).
  • The Department of Wildlife and Parks anticipates needing $350,000 in FY 2026 for program administration, including hiring five new FTEs.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • January 28, 2025: Referred to the Committee on Taxation.
  • February 5, 2025: Hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025.
  • February 12, 2025: Bill filed for introduction and subsequently referred to House Judiciary.

Conclusion

House Bill 2097 represents a significant effort to enhance conservation efforts in Kansas through tax incentives for habitat management. By reinstating and introducing new tax credits, the bill aims to promote the protection of endangered species and their habitats while also providing financial relief to property owners engaged in these efforts. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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