This bill amends K.S.A. 26-509 to require electric public utilities to pay the attorney fees of landowners when there is an appeal regarding the award of court-appointed appraisers, and the landowner prevails. The amendment specifies that if the plaintiff condemner is an electric public utility and the jury or master awards a verdict in favor of the landowner that exceeds the appraisers' award, the court must allow the payment of attorney fees as part of the court costs.

Additionally, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 26-509, which previously contained provisions that are now updated by this new language. The changes aim to provide greater financial protection for landowners in eminent domain cases involving electric public utilities, ensuring they are compensated for legal expenses when they successfully challenge appraiser awards. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 26-509