Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2696

Introduced

2/6/24

Refer

2/6/24

Failed

4/30/24

Caption

Allowing a groundwater management district the opportunity to provide a written comment rather than a recommendation to the chief engineer for a proposed water conservation area and management plan.

Impact

The impact of HB 2696 is significant on state laws surrounding water use and rights. It requires management plans to be consistent with state law and emphasizes compliance monitoring and enforcement in areas designated for water conservation. The bill allows for corrective control provisions to be included in the consent agreements, which could include restrictions on groundwater withdrawal or requirements for the rotation of groundwater use among appropriators. The changes aim to align local water management strategies with the overarching goals of the state to ensure effective and sustainable water use practices.

Summary

House Bill 2696 is designed to amend the Kansas Water Appropriation Act by allowing groundwater management districts to provide written comments, rather than formal recommendations, on proposed water conservation areas and management plans. This bill, driven by the need for enhanced local engagement in water management, aims to amplify the role of groundwater management districts in policy formulation, especially regarding the sustainability of water resources. It requires that any proposed management plan defining a water conservation area includes geographic boundaries and a consent agreement from all water rights owners involved within that area.

Contention

While the bill has received support for enhancing local input in water management decisions, it may also stir contention among water rights holders. Key points of debate include concerns about the limitations imposed on groundwater withdrawals and the power dynamics between the chief engineer’s office and local management districts. Some stakeholders might view the written comment opportunity as insufficient compared to previous requirements for comprehensive recommendations, potentially undermining the authority of groundwater management districts. Overall, the bill reflects a broader push for sustainability in water resource management amid challenges posed by climate variability and competing water needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2279

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.

KS HB2634

Providing an additional corrective control provision for the chief engineer to consider when issuing orders of designations for local enhanced managements areas and intensive groundwater use control areas.

KS HB2697

Allowing groundwater management districts boards to provide relevant information rather than advice and assistance regarding groundwater management and other appropriate matters of concern of a district.

KS HB2695

Allowing a majority of eligible voters in a groundwater management district or an area for a proposed extension or reduction of a district to petition the chief engineer to extend or reduce the territory in a groundwater management district.

KS SB727

Relating to groundwater conservation district management plans.

KS HB1482

Relating to groundwater conservation district management plans.

KS HB2714

Rural groundwater management areas; establishment

KS SB1425

Rural groundwater management areas; establishment.

KS SB156

Relating to the regulation and management of the use of groundwater and regulation of groundwater conservation districts.

KS HB4656

Relating to the management, operation, and review of groundwater conservation districts.

Similar Bills

CA AB1605

Maximum contaminant level: nitrate: replacement water.

CA AB2642

Department of Conservation: Multibenefit Land Conversion Incentive Program: administration.

TX SB2489

Relating to the authority of the San Jacinto River Authority to implement a groundwater reduction plan for the conservation of groundwater and the reduction of groundwater withdrawals in Montgomery County, and to issue bonds of the authority; providing administrative penalties.