The bill addresses the certification of operators for water supply systems and wastewater treatment facilities in Kansas. It introduces several key changes, including the addition of members to the public water supply advisory committee and a requirement for the secretary of health and environment to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the number and pass rates of operator examinations over the previous two years. The bill also stipulates that fees for operator certification examinations cannot exceed the actual cost of the examinations, and it removes the requirement for certification through correspondence courses.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to enhance the regulatory framework for public water supply systems. It establishes a system of fees for the inspection and regulation of public water supplies, with a cap of $0.002 per 1,000 gallons of water sold at retail. The advisory committee created by the bill will provide recommendations on various matters, including operator certification standards and the expenditure of funds from the public water supply fee fund. The bill repeals certain existing sections of law to streamline the regulatory process and ensure compliance with updated standards.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-4513, 65-4506
As Amended by House Committee: 65-4506, 65-163, 65-4513