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 office will oversee two new divisions: the Division of Water Policy and Planning and the Division of Conservation, which will absorb the functions of the existing Kansas Water Office and the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Conservation. The bill outlines the transition of employees, retention of benefits, and the continuation of existing rules until amended. It also grants the governor authority to resolve conflicts arising from this reorganization and ensures proper management of appropriated funds during the transition.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Kansas law to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Kansas Office of Natural Resources, particularly in water management and conservation efforts. It introduces a water right transition assistance program, updates definitions related to water management, and establishes a water protection fee structure. The bill also emphasizes the importance of conservation plans and outlines the processes for managing groundwater use, water transfers, and the establishment of irrigation and reservoir improvement districts. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the governance of natural resources in Kansas, enhance conservation efforts, and ensure effective management of water resources.

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
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