The bill establishes the Kansas Office of Natural Resources within the executive branch, to be administered by an executive director appointed by the governor with Senate consent. This new office will oversee two divisions: the Division of Water Policy and Planning and the Division of Conservation, which will absorb the powers and responsibilities of the abolished Kansas Water Office and the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Conservation, effective July 1, 2026. The bill ensures that employees from these agencies retain their rights and benefits during the transition and maintains the continuity of existing rules and regulations until they are amended or revoked. The governor is granted authority to resolve any conflicts arising from the transfer of powers and duties.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to reflect these changes, including replacing references to the "Kansas Department of Agriculture" with the "Kansas Office of Natural Resources." It introduces provisions for water management, conservation plans, and the establishment of a compensatory mitigation fund. The bill also outlines the governance structure for conservation districts, the management of irrigation districts, and the processes for water rights applications and transfers. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the management of natural resources in Kansas, enhance regulatory oversight, and ensure effective conservation efforts while clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various entities involved in water resource management.

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