Chairman Peck opened the hearing on SB317.

Tamara Lawrence, Senior Assistant Revisor presented an overview of the bill.(Attachment 1)

Ms. Lawrence stood for questions.

Senator Kenny Titus spoke in favor of SB317. (Attachment 2) (Attachment 3) Senator Titus drafted this bill in response to several issues regarding the Kansas Water Office (KWO) grant programs that were established in 2023.

Senator Titus stood for questions.

Katie Miller, Director of Water Services, Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) spoke in support of the bill. (Attachment 4) KMU supports the bill with proposed amendments.  

Ms. Miller stood for questions.

Victoria Asbury, Kansas Water Office, spoke in support of the bill. (Attachment 5) The Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Fund, now known as the HB2303 Grant Program, serve to help identified Kansas entities complete the up-front technical assistance for the implementation of water-related infrastructure projects. Since its inception, the demand for the funds has far outpaced the available funds.

Ms. Asbury stood for questions.

Wendi Stark, Legislative Liaison, The League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM) spoke in support of the bill. (Attachment 6) Quality and quantity of drinking water is a concern for cities across the state. Our members support a clean and safe public water supply and the protection of public health and aquatic life.

Kate Gleeson, Deputy Secretary and Director of Environment, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) submitted written neutral testimony. (Attachment 7)

Chairman Peck closed the hearing on SB317 .