The bill addresses the certification of operators for water supply systems and wastewater treatment facilities in Kansas. It proposes to add additional members to the public water supply advisory committee and mandates the secretary of health and environment to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the number and pass rates of operator examinations from the previous two years. The bill also stipulates that fees for operator certification examinations should not exceed the actual cost of the examinations. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the secretary to certify operators through correspondence courses, instead emphasizing classroom instruction.

Furthermore, 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 consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from health and environmental departments, and will focus on improving technical assistance, certification standards, and advising on the expenditure of funds related to public water supply. The bill also repeals certain existing statutes that are no longer deemed necessary.

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