SESSION OF 2025
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2040
As Amended by Senate Committee on Utilities
Brief*
HB 2040, as amended, would extend the deadline for
when the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) must issue
a final order for an electric transmission line siting application
from 120 days to 180 days.
The bill would be in effect upon publication in the
Kansas Register.
Background
The bill was introduced by the House Committee on
Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications at the request of the
Executive Director of the KCC.
House Committee on Energy, Utilities and
Telecommunications
In the House Committee hearing, proponent testimony
was provided by the Deputy Director of the Utilities Division of
the KCC. The proponent stated that the extended timeline
would allow more landowner input and involvement in the
transmission line siting process. The bill would allow the KCC
to have more time to evaluate possible alternative routes for a
potential transmission line.
Written-only proponent testimony was provided by
representatives of the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board
____________________
*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research
Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental
note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at
https://klrd.gov/ (CURB), Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB), and Kansas Livestock
Association (KLA).
Neutral testimony was provided by representatives of
Evergy and Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc (KEC).
Conferees generally stated that the bill may increase costs to
organizations engaging in transmission line siting dockets
due to the extended deadline for a final order on an
application. Conferees expressed appreciation for the greater
opportunity for landowner input. Written-only neutral
testimony was provided by a representative of ITC Great
Plains.
No other testimony was provided.
Senate Committee on Utilities
In the Senate Committee hearing, no oral testimony was
provided. Written-only proponent testimony was provided by
representatives of CURB, KCC, KFB, and KLA. Written-only
neutral testimony was provided by representatives of Evergy
and KEC. No other testimony was provided.
The Senate Committee amended the bill to change the
effective date to be upon publication in the Kansas Register.
Fiscal Information
According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of
the Budget on the bill, as introduced, the KCC indicates
enactment of the bill would not have a fiscal effect on the
agency.
Kansas Corporation Commission; transmission lines; transmission line siting; electric
transmission line
2- 2040