HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The proposed State Fair sales tax bill passed the Senate by a 40-0 vote. Senate bill 415 will allow the fair to collect the sales tax it generates. The money will be used for the fair’s capital improvement fund.

Hearings about the bill spurred a multitude of questions. The state perceived a “lack of support” for the fair from the city and CVB. That led to the presentation of a House bill that would have required the fair to submit a request for proposals, which in turn, could have resulted in the fair moving to another city.

It is unknown if the bill will be seriously considered. However, it has resulted in a lot of conversation over the past four days between the city, county, chamber and the fair.

The state sales tax is 6.5 percent. The Kansas Department of Transportation will get 1.5 percent of that, leaving 5 percent sales tax generated on the fairgrounds. The tax could generate as much as $450,000. It also gives the fair incentive to grow. Officials can explore other ways to market the fairgrounds for non-fair events.

The Kansas House will vote on the bill next.