The Legislature was busy this week attempting to override numerous vetoes by Gov. Laura Kelly. The governor also signed several bills into law that are of interest to KLA members, including those listed below.
Property tax - SB 35, supported by KLA, will discontinue the 1.5 mill levy for the Kansas educational building fund and state institutions building fund. KLA supported the bill because it will provide broad-based property tax relief and ensure it applies equally across all property classes.
Foreign ownership of land - H Sub for SB 9 will prohibit any foreign principal with a place of business in a country of concern (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela) from acquiring any interest in real property in the state of Kansas within 100 miles of a military installation or utilizing any economic development program, unless such interest is too minor to merit consideration. An amendment was added in the conference committee that directs the governor to consult with the attorney general and the Kansas Fusion Center to review any new acquisition of real property by any foreign principal located in the state as of July 1, 2025. KLA successfully negotiated an amendment to avoid potential disruptions in the meat processing supply chain.
Energy - HB 2107 will codify current laws in the statute regarding liability for damage caused by wildfires due to the fault of a public utility. KLA initially opposed the bill due to concerns it would limit the recovery of landowners when their property is damaged or destroyed by a fire. KLA was able to work with the electric utilities that drafted the legislation on an amendment in the House that struck problematic language regarding how economic damages would be calculated. The Senate added an amendment limiting claims to 10 years after a fire event.
HB 2040, supported by KLA, will extend the timeline from 120 to 180 days in which the Kansas Corporation Commission can make a final order on a transmission line siting application. Extending the timeline could allow additional opportunities for public and landowner input and promote clarity in the process.
Water task force - S Sub for HB 2172, a KLA-supported bill, will establish the Water Program Task Force to evaluate the state’s water programs to ensure available resources are being spent efficiently and funding is adequate.
Poultry fees - SB 89, supported by KLA, will enable the Kansas Department of Agriculture to charge fees for services being provided to the poultry industry, such as disease prevention plans and diagnostic testing.