The bill amends the Kansas Drycleaner Environmental Response Act to update provisions related to penalties, deductibles, and fees for drycleaning facilities. Key changes include maintaining the administrative penalty for violations at a cap of $500, while introducing a $10,000 deductible for owners seeking reimbursement for corrective actions starting July 1, 2026. The bill also clarifies the definition of "chlorinated drycleaning solvent" and updates the criteria for fund administration, emphasizing the need to address contamination from solvent releases. Additionally, it specifies that the department will not actively seek out contaminated sites but may respond to complaints regarding potential health concerns.

Moreover, the bill modifies K.S.A. 65-34,150 to impose an environmental surcharge on laundering and drycleaning services, increasing the tax rate from 2.5% to 3% of gross receipts, with a scheduled increase of 0.5 percentage points every two years until a maximum of 5% is reached by January 1, 2029. It also raises the maximum fee on drycleaning solvents from $3.50 to $5.50 per gallon and includes provisions for delinquency penalties. The bill mandates annual reporting by the secretary on fund activities and repeals several existing sections to align with the updated regulatory framework. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 65-34
As Amended by Senate Committee: 65-34
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 65-34
As Amended by House Committee: 65-34
As introduced: 65-34