Bill > HB2172

This bill establishes a Water Program Task Force to comprehensively evaluate Kansas's water resources and planning strategies. The task force will consist of 13 voting members, including legislators and appointed Kansas residents representing diverse stakeholder groups such as agriculture, water utilities, economic development, and environmental conservation, and three non-voting ex officio members from state water-related agencies. The task force is charged with assessing major risks to the state's water supply, determining steps to ensure future water availability, and evaluating current water program funding. By January 31, 2026, they will submit a preliminary report, and by January 31, 2027, a final report to legislative committees and the governor, providing recommendations on the water program's long-term structure, roles and responsibilities, investment criteria, and potential funding sources. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a Water Planning Work Group of five professionals who will study and develop draft legislation to modernize the state water resource planning act, examining how the state water plan is created, implemented, and prioritized. The task force and work group are set to expire on July 1, 2027, ensuring a focused and time-limited evaluation of Kansas's water management strategies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture and Natural Resources (H)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2172/