The bill establishes the Kansas Office of Natural Resources within the executive branch, to be led by an executive director appointed by the governor with Senate consent. This new office will absorb the functions of the Kansas Water Office and the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Conservation, creating two divisions: the Division of Water Policy and Planning and the Division of Conservation. The bill mandates that all existing rules and regulations from the former agencies remain in effect until amended or revoked, ensuring continuity in water and conservation policy administration. It also stipulates that any conflicts arising from the transfer of responsibilities will be resolved by the governor, whose decisions will be final.

Significant amendments include the replacement of the term "secretary" with "executive director" throughout various statutes, reflecting a shift in authority. The bill introduces a compensatory mitigation fund, establishes a water right transition assistance program, and outlines the management of water resources, including the creation of water banks and the establishment of a multipurpose small lakes program. It also clarifies the roles of the chief engineer and the responsibilities of local governing bodies regarding floodplain management. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the management of natural resources in Kansas, enhance conservation efforts, and ensure the protection of water rights while maintaining employee rights from the previous agencies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 2-1903, 2-1904, 2-1907, 2-1915, 2-1930, 2-1933, 12-541, 12-636, 12-761, 12-766, 12-2713, 19-2963, 24-407, 24-418, 24-656, 24-659, 24-1202, 24-1204, 24-1211, 24-1212, 32-1403, 32-1420, 42-701, 42-703, 42-722, 42-722a, 42-725, 49-603, 49-606, 49-611, 49-610, 49-613, 49-618, 49-621, 49-620, 49-623, 55-153, 68-1414, 68-1413, 68-2203, 74-506b, 74-5, 74-2608, 74-2609, 74-2622, 74-99f04, 75-3036, 75-37, 75-5133, 65-171d, 79-201g, 10-116a, 65-163