Bill would help Kansas ranchers replace fences after wildfires

Legislation intended to help ranchers in south-central Kansas replace fences that were damaged by wildfires in March won approval in the Kansas House on Saturday.

SB 149, which passed the House 100-21, provides a temporary sales tax exemption for services and materials purchased during the 2016 calendar year in order to replace or repair any fence destroyed by a fire.

It’s intended to help farmers and ranchers in Barber and Comanche counties cope with the damage caused by the wildfires that ravaged south-central Kansas in March.

The bill also includes a provision that will enable Kansans to check off a box on their state income tax returns if they want to donate up to $50 to the local school district of their choice.

The bill now heads to the Kansas Senate, where it is expected to pass easily.

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 7:01 PM with the headline "Bill would help Kansas ranchers replace fences after wildfires."