Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB173

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

Providing that any lease or easement involving commercial wind or solar electric generation resources shall not be in force and effect until the board of county commissioners of the affected county approves the commercial wind or solar electric generation project.

Impact

The implications of SB173 are significant for state energy policy and local governance. By requiring county approval before any commercial wind or solar energy project can proceed, the bill reinforces the role of local authorities in the renewable energy sector. This measure is expected to encourage collaboration between energy developers and local governments, likely leading to agreements that take into account community concerns and land use issues. Furthermore, the bill addresses the legal enforceability of easements and leases by establishing clear criteria for their validity based on local governance actions.

Summary

SB173 focuses on the development of commercial wind and solar electric generation resources in Kansas. A key provision of the bill is that no lease or easement involving these energy resources can take effect without prior approval from the relevant county board of commissioners. This aims to ensure that local governments have a say in the construction and operation of energy facilities, which could potentially impact the local environment and community dynamics. The bill mandates comprehensive descriptions of the land and frameworks under which the wind or solar facilities can operate, aiming to clarify and formalize the legal parameters surrounding energy development projects.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions, there are points of contention surrounding SB173. Opponents may argue that the requirement for county approval could lead to delays and complications in the development of renewable energy facilities, ultimately hindering progress towards cleaner energy goals. Critics may contend that local governments could impose overly stringent conditions that stifle innovation and deter investment in solar and wind projects that are essential for meeting future energy needs. Therefore, while the bill aims to enhance local control, it raises concerns about balancing local interests with broader state and national energy objectives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2227

Authorizing certain power purchase agreements with renewable energy suppliers, exempting the sales of electricity pursuant to power purchase agreements from public utility regulation and requiring electric public utilities to enter into parallel generation contracts with certain customers of the utility.

KS HB2609

Substitute for HB 2609 by Committee on Taxation - Providing a property tax exemption for new electric generation facilities and new pollution control devices and additions constructed or installed at electric generation facilities and discontinuing property tax exemptions for certain existing electric generation facilities.

KS SB455

Prohibiting public utilities from exercising eminent domain for the siting or placement of solar generation facilities.

KS HB2545

Providing for the sale of property not retrieved by an occupant after notice, allowing electronic signatures and delivery for rental agreements, defining property that has no commercial value, providing for the deemed effectiveness of rental agreements not signed or delivered by an owner or occupant and specifying custody of abandoned or towed property under the self-service storage act.

KS SB262

Requiring voting and vote tabulation by hand and prohibiting electronic poll books or electronic or electromechanical voting or tabulation systems after January 1, 2024, mandating legislative approval of certain election matters and providing for the reporting of vote counts to the secretary of state and publication of the vote counts by the secretary.

KS SB6

Providing a sales tax exemption for sales of electricity to residential premises by municipally owned or operated utilities.

KS HB2002

Providing countywide retailers' sales tax authority for Dickinson and Grant counties, providing for a sales tax exemption for area agencies on aging and purchases made by Kansas suicide prevention HQ, inc., providing that the secretary of revenue file a release of warrant in the county where such warrant is docketed, granting authority to the director of property valuation to develop qualifying courses and providing that certain tax notices and statements may be transmitted by electronic means by the county treasurer and county appraiser if consented to by the taxpayer.

KS HB2768

Providing a property tax exemption for certain new electric generation facilities and sunsetting current property tax exemptions for such facilities removing certain requirements relating to the state corporation commission's determinations of cost recovery and prudent investments.

KS SB323

Providing for the election of county appraisers.

KS SB545

Providing a sales tax exemption for the construction or remodeling of a qualified data center in Kansas and the purchase of data center equipment, eligible data center costs, electricity and certain labor costs to qualified firms that commit to a minimum investment of at least $600,000,000 and meet new Kansas jobs and other requirements.

Similar Bills

VA HB1721

Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation, Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

CA SB948

California Environmental Quality Act community plans.

TX SB1009

Relating to the adoption of the Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

AR HB1408

To Create The Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

OK HB1060

Easements; the Oklahoma Uniform Easement Relocation Act of 2025; easement relocation; court orders; effective date.

UT HB0132

Uniform Easement Relocation Act

GA HR1085

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize

GA HR1113

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize