Specifying when boards of directors for irrigation districts of 35,000 or more acres may conduct board member elections by mail ballot and establishing the terms for such members.
Impact
The implications of HB 2153 on state laws are significant, as it amends existing water resource regulations by defining more clearly the structures recognized as dams and water obstructions. The bill revises election laws to provide an option for mail-in ballots, which could increase participation in elections among landowners. It also empowers the chief engineer of the division of water resources to regulate compliance and approve permits, thus centralizing some aspects of water management while ensuring that the public has a voice in the governance of their irrigation districts.
Summary
House Bill 2153 pertains to the governance of irrigation districts in Kansas, particularly those exceeding 35,000 acres. It establishes provisions regarding the conduct of elections for the board of directors, specifically allowing for mail ballot voting. This change aims to streamline the election process, making it more convenient for land owners entitled to vote within the district. The bill also clarifies the term lengths for elected board members, which can be set at two, three, or four years by the board itself.
Contention
Some points of contention may arise regarding the balance between state oversight and local control, especially as the bill provides the chief engineer with significant authority over dam and water obstruction management. Concerns may be raised about the ability of local irrigation districts to effectively manage their affairs independently, as more power is vested in state authorities. Additionally, as the bill sets forth specific definitions and requirements for dams, stakeholders in agricultural sectors could be impacted by any revisions in regulations that affect their operations.
Specifying when boards of directors for irrigation districts of 35,000 or more acres may conduct board member elections by mail ballot and establishing the terms for such members.
Prohibiting the use of ballot copies for purposes of any audit or recount of an election, setting a 7:00 p.m. deadline for receipt of advance mail ballots, requiring the use of paper ballots and hand counting, establishing legislative oversight, requiring that certain ballot records and all election records be publicly available and mandating use of a uniform paper for ballot printing.
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Specifying when boards of directors for irrigation districts of 35,000 or more acres may conduct board member elections by mail ballot and establishing the terms for such members.
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