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Minutes for SB57 - Committee on Utilities
Short Title
Requiring certain state agencies, counties, cities and political subdivisions to reimburse the owner or operator of communications or video service facilities for the costs to modify or relocate such facilities for certain road and highway projects.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 5, 2025
The Chairman opened the hearing on SB 57.
Nick Myers gave an overview of the bill and stood for questions (Attachment 1).
Dayton Murty testified in support of the bill (Attachment 2) and stated that the bill would create parity for different types of utilities and ensure reimbursement for infrastructure relocation when local governments receive funds from the state or federal government. The conferee stood for questions.
Megan Bottenberg testified in support of the bill (Attachment 3) and stated that Cox Communications spent 1.8 million in relocation last year. She also said they pay franchise fees in those right of ways. The conferee stood for questions.
Erik Sartorius provided written only testimony in support of the bill (Attachment 4).
David Soffer provided written only testimony in support of the bill (Attachment 5).
Jay Hall testified in opposition to the bill (Attachment 6) and said KAC was concerned that this bill would increase property taxes. The conferee stood for questions.
Gelene Savage testified in opposition to the bill (Attachment 7) and reported that any utility, including, oil, gas, water, electricity, cable, and broadband, on state right of way highway is there without paying for the land the utiity uses. They do not pay KDOT anything. If additional land is needed to expand a roadway, KDOT pays for the land and the utility pays for the move. If the utility is not on KDOT right of way, KDOT pays for their move. KDOT spent 25.9 million to move utilities on projects let in Fiscal Year 2024. The conferee stood for questions.
Kimberly Gencur Svaty testified in opposition to the bill (Attachment 8) and said that a discussion regarding public right of way versus private easement rights would be beneficial. The conferee stood for questions.
Will Johnson testified in opposition to the bill (Attachment 9) and stated that in counties without a sales tax, such as Butler County, their only option would be to raise property taxes to meet additional expenses. The conferee stood for questions.
Spencer Duncan testified in opposition to the bill (Attachment 10) and questioned the intent of the bill based on how it is currently written. The conferee stood for questions.
Justin Mader provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 11).
Joseph Snyder provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 12).
Gary Janzen provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 13).
Janelle Dockendorf provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 14).
Stephanie Grisham provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 15).
Kiel Mangus provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 16).
Darryl Lutz provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 17).
Dick Carter provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 18).
Danielle Dulin provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill (Attachment 19).
There being no further conferees, the Chairman closed the hearing on SB 57.
