TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Lawmakers approved legislation late last month that would make changes to lifetime hunting and fishing license options and waterfowl hunting for out of state hunters in Kansas.

Senators and representatives approved committee reports for House Bill 2028 last week, sending it on to Governor Laura Kelly for her final approval. The Senate voted to approve the bill at a vote of 40-0 on March 26 while the House voted 65-59 on March 27.

House Bill 2028 would, if passed successfully, change existing Kansas law regarding the combination hunting and fishing pass for older adults and the separate license for children. The bill would also prevent non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places along with changing the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.

Wildlife officials introduced the bill earlier this year after the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks ( KDWP ) stopped offering older adults between the ages of 65 and 74 the option to purchase the combination hunting and fishing license in October 2024 . The KDWP began offering the Senior Lifetime Pass in 2012 but took it down last year after the agency realized the law giving the authority to issue these licenses had expired in June 2020. Older adults would be able to purchase the combination hunting and fishing license again with the passage of the bill.

Lawmakers amended House Bill 2028 so that now, in its current form, it would also change the age ranges and accompanying fees for the children’s lifetime hunting and fishing license . The age limit for the license would be increased from seven to 15 and the fee for the license would be set to $400 for children who are six to 15 years of age and $300 for those who are five or younger. An expiration date set for July 2032 for this type of license would also be removed.

Waterfowl hunters from out of state would also be unable to participate in hunting activities on certain days during the season . Hunters from outside of Kansas would only be able to participate in the season on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, according to language in the bill.

Kelly may choose to approve the bill, veto it or allow it to become a new law without her signature. You can learn more about current hunting and fishing licenses offered in Kansas by clicking here .

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