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Commerce official says Star Bonds program expanding; 17 projects now active and policy changes aim to broaden eligibility
Summary
The Department of Commerce briefed a House committee on the Star Bonds program, describing recent statutory and budgetary changes, 17 active projects, and examples of new tools and pilot projects under consideration. Agency staff also noted pending legislation to extend the program sunset and increase transparency.
The Kansas Department of Commerce told a House committee on Feb. 27 that the Star Bonds sales–tax financing tool continues to be used to support major tourism and entertainment development across the state and that recent statutory and budget changes have broadened eligible uses.
Rachel Willis, director of legislative affairs at the Department of Commerce, described Star Bonds as created under the Sales Tax and Revenue Bond Act in 1999 and said the program’s intent is to increase out‑of‑state tourism, stimulate economic activity and improve quality of life. Willis said there are currently 17 projects in various stages of completion and repayment.
Willis reviewed changes enacted since 2021 and in subsequent budget provisos, including expanded eligibility for rural projects,…
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