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Minutes for HB2644 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Designating the Sandhill plum as the official state fruit.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 29, 2022
The Chairman opened the hearing and called upon Michael Heim for a revisor overview of the bill.
The Chairman called for testimony on the bill.
Proponent Harley Brown representing Valley Falls Elementary school explained that students from more than 25 schools across Kansas researched a number of candidate fruits and voted to promote the Sandhill Plum to be the official state fruit.
Proponent Grant Stapleton representing Sabetha Elementary School suggested that the Sandhill Plum provides animal habitat, feeds birds and its sweet taste makes excellent jellies and jams.
Proponent Evva Deters representing Sabetha Elementary School explained that students from more than 24 schools researched a short list of four fruits (American Persimmon, Mulberry, Gooseberry and Sandhill Plum), before voting to select the Sandhill Plum.
Proponent Emily Eaton representing Valley Falls Elementary School informed the committee that the Sandhill Plum is native to Kansas, reddish pink when ripe, has a tangy sweet taste and can be found almost anywhere in Kansas.
Proponent Hannah Huffman representing Sabetha Elementary School thanked the committee for the opportunity to see how much work and dedication it takes to make a law.
Proponent Jake Menold representing Sabetha Elementary School explained that Sandhill Plum grows on a bush that can be found in natural Kansas prairies and is commonly used to establish windbreaks, wildlife habitat and erosion control.
Proponent Peyton Burge representing Sabetha Elementary School reported to the committee that the Kansas House of Representatives passed the bill favorably with a 115 to 7 vote.
Proponent Teghan O'Rouke representing Healy Elementary School in Western Kansas stated that the Sandhill Plum that lives for 15 to 25 years can be grown in sand, dirt or even clay.
Proponent Tyson Detweiler representing Sabetha Elementary School declared that he Sandhill Plum is so popular it is also known as the Chickasaw Plum, the Cherokee Plum, the Florida Plum, or just the Sand Plum.
Proponent Tanith Montgomery representing Sabetha Elementary School explained the extensive research, debate and effort of her fellow students to get the attention and action of important committee chairman in both chambers.
Committee comments and question ensued.
Seeing no additional testimony the Chairman closed the hearing.
