The bill amends K.S.A. 66-1,178 and K.S.A. 66-1,180, which govern the process for electric utilities to obtain siting permits for electric transmission lines. Key changes include the requirement for utilities to provide specific information in their applications, such as the proposed location of the transmission line, the names and addresses of affected landowners, and evidence that the project was competitively bid among qualified bidders. The commission is mandated to hold a public hearing within 90 days of the application and to issue a final order within a specified timeframe.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that all hearings must comply with the Kansas administrative procedure act and be completed within 30 days unless a continuance is requested by the utility. The commission is prohibited from issuing permits for lines with costs recovered through a regional transmission organization unless it confirms that the bidding process was fair and that the lowest reasonable bid was selected. The commission's decision will consider the benefits to consumers both in Kansas and beyond, as well as economic development in the state. The bill also repeals the previous versions of K.S.A. 66-1,178 and K.S.A. 66-1,180.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-1