This bill amends K.S.A. 26-509 to require electric public utilities to pay the attorney fees of landowners when the landowners prevail in appeals regarding the awards of court-appointed appraisers. Specifically, if an electric public utility appeals the appraisers' award and the jury or master rules in favor of the landowner with a verdict greater than the appraisers' award, the court is mandated to allow the payment of attorney fees as part of the court costs.

Additionally, the bill removes certain outdated legal language from the existing statute, streamlining the process for appeals involving electric public utilities. The existing section of K.S.A. 26-509 is repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 26-509