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 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. Significant provisions include the transfer of powers and duties from the abolished agencies to the new divisions, effective July 1, 2026, while ensuring that employees retain their rights and benefits. The executive director will have the authority to charge fees for document processing and will oversee ongoing legal actions involving the previous agencies.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Kansas law to reflect these changes, including the replacement of the term "secretary" with "executive director" in multiple instances, indicating a shift in authority. It establishes a compensatory mitigation fund for conservation efforts and outlines the responsibilities of the new divisions in managing conservation easements and water rights transition assistance programs. The bill also emphasizes collaboration with local agencies and compliance with state policies in implementing conservation initiatives, aiming to streamline the management of natural resources in Kansas and enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

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