Kansas House Bill HB2525

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24
• Report Pass: 2/5/24
• Engrossed: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/15/24
• Report Pass: 3/19/24
• Enrolled: 3/26/24
• Passed: 4/1/24

Caption

Providing for additional sources of revenue for the water program management fund and creating additional fees for the regulation of underground injection control wells.

Impact

If enacted, HB2525 would directly influence Kansas laws relating to water management and public health safety. The introduction of increased fees for operators of wastewater treatment facilities and underground storage operations is posited to generate revenue that would be redirected towards the maintenance, monitoring, and enforcement of water regulations. With this amendment, the bill highlights a commitment to preventing water pollution and ensuring that the facilities meet operational criteria aimed at safeguarding public health.

Summary

House Bill 2525 seeks to amend existing regulations concerning the management of water resources in Kansas. Specifically, the bill proposes the establishment of additional fees aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework overseeing wastewater treatment facilities and underground injection control wells. It allows the Secretary of Health and Environment to set these fees, which would contribute to the state's water program management fund designed to support necessary water program management efforts. The proposed changes are intended to better fund the oversight of these crucial environmental protection areas and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the financial burdens placed on operators, particularly small businesses, that may struggle to meet the additional regulatory costs imposed by the new fees. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the equity of these regulations, debating whether they could unfairly disadvantage smaller operations compared to larger entities. Moreover, there might be discussions on how effectively the generated revenue will be utilized within the water program management fund and its direct impact on enhancing water safety and infrastructure.