Kansas House Bill HB2279

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Engrossed: 2/23/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Report Pass: 3/21/23
• Enrolled: 4/24/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

Requiring groundwater management districts to submit annual written reports to the legislature and to provide water conservation and stabilization action plans to the chief engineer.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2279 is expected to strengthen state oversight of groundwater management practices, providing the chief engineer with the authority to intervene if districts continue to neglect their responsibilities. By compelling districts to identify areas where groundwater resources are deteriorating or at risk, the bill aims to foster a proactive approach to water conservation. This legislative change seeks not only to protect the state's groundwater resources but also to stabilize agriculture, a critical sector of the Kansas economy, which heavily relies on these resources for irrigation and livestock operations.

Summary

House Bill 2279 introduces significant amendments to how groundwater management districts operate within Kansas. The bill mandates that these districts submit comprehensive annual reports to key legislative committees, detailing their budget, finances, activities, and other critical information. Additionally, the districts are required to establish conservation action plans aimed at identifying and addressing priority areas of concern regarding groundwater quality and availability. This shift emphasizes accountability and data-driven management practices in addressing the pressing issues of water resource sustainability in Kansas.

Sentiment

Reactions to HB 2279 have generally been positive among legislators and environmental advocates who argue that this proactive approach to groundwater management is essential in light of ongoing concerns about water scarcity and quality degradation. Supporters praise the bill as a necessary measure to ensure that districts are held accountable for their management practices, while critics express concern about the administrative burden it may impose on smaller districts and the potential costs associated with compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2279 center on its enforcement mechanisms and the potential impacts on local management practices. While the bill empowers the chief engineer to take corrective actions if districts fail to meet their reporting and action plan requirements, some local officials worry that this oversight may undermine local governance and flexibility in addressing unique regional water issues. The balance between state oversight and local control remains a critical debate point among stakeholders.