Senate adopts agritourism protections, creates 'nonpublic registered agritourism' category

The Kansas Senate on the floor adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 21-11, a bill intended to protect agritourism facilities that have been brought within city limits.

Senator Montgomery, the conference report sponsor, told colleagues the bill defines a "nonpublic registered agritourism location" as ‘‘160 acres or less located on a working farm that provides learning opportunities related to agriculture activities’’ and requires registration with the Secretary of Commerce. "I move that we adopt the conference committee report on, house bill 21 11," he said during floor debate.

The measure aims to shield small, working farms that host educational visits from local city or county ordinances that would otherwise restrict agritourism activities. Montgomery emphasized the bill does not displace state law: state statutes—including noxious-weed laws—and regulations enforced by state agencies would continue to apply. In response to questions about fire-code enforcement, Montgomery said the State Fire Marshal would retain enforcement authority in rural areas.

Senators probed how the law would operate in practice. Senator Francisco asked whether the bill would prohibit "any building code or regulation" and pressed who would enforce statewide statutes; Montgomery answered that state laws remain enforceable and that the Department of Commerce already maintains definitions for registered agritourism facilities. Senators also raised safety concerns tied to rides and vehicular access for visiting children.

On final action the clerk reported 27 votes in favor and 13 opposed; the conference committee report and conference substitute were declared passed. The bill now moves forward per regular enrollment and transmission procedures.

Supporters framed the bill as preserving agricultural education and rural traditions for students and visitors; critics cautioned about unclear operational details such as the definition of "working farm" and how local public-safety regulations would be enforced.

The Senate held the item for final action and then completed the roll call to adopt the conference committee report; the measure was declared passed and will be enrolled for transmittal.