This bill amends existing Kansas law regarding the construction of electric transmission lines, specifically focusing on high-impact electric transmission lines. It defines a "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 regulations regarding electric transmission lines. The amendments clarify the definitions of electric utilities and transmission lines, and they establish a process for public hearings and the issuance of permits by the commission. The requirement for legislative approval aims to enhance oversight and ensure that significant electric transmission projects are subject to additional scrutiny before they proceed.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-1