Appropriations committee approves multiple agency budgets, adds staff and trims a small EDIF item

The Committee on Appropriations advanced several agency budgets and amendments during its session.

Chairperson Walsinger moved approval of the Board of Cosmetology budget for FY26‑27, which the committee passed by voice vote after a second from Representative Turk. Chairperson Walsinger then presented and obtained committee approval for the Board of Barbering and the Board of Hearing Aid Examiners budgets.

Chairman Turk brought forward the Kansas State Historical Society budget. During debate the committee reappropriated $25,000 (of a governor‑recommended $39,400) to the Quindaro Ruins Task Force for staff work and meetings; that motion was carried. The committee later passed the Historical Society budget for FY26‑27 as amended.

The committee also passed the State Library budget for FY26‑27, which includes reappropriations for grants, talking books and other services.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks budget produced more extended discussion. Members debated procurement challenges, trout stocking economics and park fee levels. The committee added three law‑enforcement FTEs funded from agency fee funds (a $375,000 flat allocation) to strengthen enforcement coverage and cross‑training. The committee then approved the Wildlife & Parks budget as amended. Separately, members moved to delete $3,632 from the agency's EDIF request; that deletion motion passed.

Where recorded, motions were seconded and passage was by voice vote. No recorded roll‑call tallies were given in the transcript; outcomes are reported as reflected in committee proceedings.