Chairman Bergquist opened the hearing on HB2363.
Revisor Jason Long, Revisor of Statutes (Attachment 8) gave an overview of the bill. He explained that the bill would require conservation easements to be approved by the appropriate municipal governing body.
Representative Lewis Bloom, District 64 (Attachment 9) testified as a proponent to the bill. He explained that the bill breaks conservation easement rules in Kansas. It doesn't create them, it adds local government oversight.
The chairman asked if anyone else would like to testify as a proponent to the bill.
Angel Cushing, private citizen, testified as a proponent to the bill. She did not provide any written testimony.
Mike Bulk, Ducks Unlimited (Attachment 10) testified via WebEx as an opponent to the bill. He explained that the bill would severely restrict the use of conservation easements, infringe upon property rights, add additional government red-tape, increase government bureaucracy, and prevent landowners from accessing an important land conservation instrument and financial tool.
Taylor Nikkel,Director of Stockholders Division, Kansas Livestock Association (Attachment 11) testified as a opponent to the bill. She explained that the bill authorizes local units of government to interfere with voluntary agreements between private landowners and private conservation organizations or government agencies who are currently authorized by law to accept and administer conservation easements.
Brad Loveless, private citizen (Attachment 12) testified as an opponent to the bill. He explained that the right to make decisions about one's own property is fundamental to what Kansans value.
The following people provided written only opponent testimony:
- Mandy Frank, The Nature Conservancy (Attachment 13)
- Kaitlin Stanley, Kansas Land Trust (Attachment 14)
- Kurt Ratzlaff, Kansas Outdoor Heritage Alliance (Attachment 15)
Chairman Bergquist closed the hearing on HB2363.
Representative Blex moved, seconded by Representative Featherston to approve minutes dated 1/26/2026 and 1/28/2026. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned 10:15 a.m.