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 divisions: the Division of Water Policy and Planning and the Division of Conservation, which will absorb the functions of the now-abolished Kansas Water Office and the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Conservation. The bill mandates that all powers and duties from these agencies be transferred to the new divisions by July 1, 2026, while ensuring that employees retain their civil service rights. It also stipulates that existing rules from the abolished agencies remain in effect until amended, promoting continuity in water and natural resource management.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Kansas law to reflect this restructuring, including the replacement of references to the Kansas Department of Agriculture with the Kansas Office of Natural Resources. It introduces a compensatory mitigation fund for conservation efforts, outlines the responsibilities of the new divisions, and establishes criteria for managing water rights and conservation projects. The bill emphasizes collaboration with local agencies and the importance of compliance with state policies, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives and streamline the governance of water resources in Kansas. Overall, these changes are designed to improve the management and protection of the state's natural resources while ensuring that public interests are prioritized.

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