This bill amends existing Kansas law regarding the management of hazardous materials, specifically focusing on the responsibilities associated with the application of commercial pesticides. It introduces an exemption from remediation costs and other liabilities for owners of certain nonresidential properties located in Johnson County that were previously owned by the United States Army. The bill stipulates that these property owners will not be held responsible for costs related to the investigation, removal, or remediation of soil, groundwater, or surface water contamination from legally registered pesticidal commercial chemical products applied before 2005, provided the property remains nonresidential. However, if the property is converted to residential use or developed as a daycare facility, the owner will then be responsible for such costs.

Additionally, the bill amends K.S.A. 65-3453 and K.S.A. 65-3455, detailing the powers of the secretary regarding site clean-up and the responsibilities of those deemed responsible for hazardous substance discharges. It allows the secretary to issue clean-up orders and recover costs from responsible parties while also establishing that any orders issued are subject to existing legal provisions. The bill repeals the previous versions of K.S.A. 65-3453 and K.S.A. 65-3455, thereby updating the legal framework governing hazardous materials management in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 8-1
As Amended by Senate Committee: 8-1
Enrolled: 65-3453, 65-3455