This bill amends existing Kansas law regarding the construction of electric transmission lines, specifically focusing on high-impact electric transmission lines. It defines "high-impact electric transmission line" as any line that is at least 10 miles long and used for the bulk transfer of 340 kilovolts or more of electricity. The bill requires electric utilities to obtain a siting permit from the state corporation commission before beginning site preparation or construction of any electric transmission line. Additionally, for high-impact lines, legislative approval is now mandated prior to construction, which involves notifying the legislature within 30 days of receiving the siting permit and providing detailed information about the proposed line.

The bill also repeals the previous sections of K.S.A. 66-1,177 and 66-1,178, which contained the former definitions and requirements for electric transmission lines. The new provisions emphasize the need for legislative oversight in the development of high-impact electric transmission lines, ensuring that such projects undergo additional scrutiny before proceeding. This change aims to enhance regulatory control over significant energy infrastructure projects in the state.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-1