The bill amends K.S.A. 12-2001 to empower cities in Kansas to grant franchises for utility services, including gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications, with contracts limited to a maximum duration of 20 years. It prohibits exclusive franchises and allows city governing bodies to set reasonable maximum rates for these services. Additionally, any compensation provisions based on payments from other franchises are deemed void. The bill introduces definitions for key terms and permits cities to impose an access line fee, capped at $2.75 per month, and a fee of up to 5% on gross receipts from telecommunications services, ensuring that these fees are competitively neutral and non-discriminatory.

Moreover, the bill establishes a framework for cities to review telecommunications contracts, including the right to appeal denials or revocations. Cities can examine telecommunications providers' records annually to verify gross receipts fees, with provisions for court relief in case of disputes. It outlines procedures for adopting increased fees, requiring public notification and potential referendums. The bill also restricts cities from imposing certain regulations on telecommunications providers and clarifies that wireless service providers are not required to enter franchise agreements for wireless services, although their use of public rights-of-way can be regulated through other agreements.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 12-2001