By SHERMAN SMITH
Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — The Kansas House gave first-round approval Tuesday to legislation creating license plates that celebrate wildlife and parks and grant free admission to state parks.
House Bill 2597 would raise an estimated $480,000 in annual royalty fees for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The four new distinctive plates would celebrate state parks, hunting, fishing, and nongame wildlife.
“Kansans are really proud of their passion for whatever they feel they’d like to display on their vehicles,” said Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, the bill’s sponsor.
The secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks would determine a royalty fee of at least $40 and not more than $100 for individuals who want one of the new plates, which would become available on Jan. 1, 2023. The license plates would double as an annual vehicle permit to state parks.
The state agency anticipates a net gain of $281,000 in annual revenue, after accounting for the individuals who would replace the $15 annual permit with a license plate.
The House advanced the bill on a voice vote, along with separate legislation that would establish license plates for the cities of Topeka and Hutchinson, and one for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The House also gave first-round approval to House Bill 2456, which would create lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for children younger than 5 years old. The license would cost $300.
Rep. Ken Corbet, R-Topeka, said license sales have been down for 15 years.
“This is just a good start to try to pick up a new generation and try to keep ’em in Kansas and keep ’em getting ’em outdoors,” Corbet said.