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Minutes for SB169 - Committee on Utilities
Short Title
Requiring deposit in the water program management fee fund of certain moneys received by the Kansas department of health and environment.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 21, 2019
Chairman Masterson opened the hearing on SB169
Staff provided overview of bill. He then answered questions from members.(Attachment 1)
Jaime Gaggero, Kansas Department of Health and Environment spoke in support of this bill. She stated that the bill contains 2 statutory changes concerning operator certification fees and deposition such fees from the State General Fund (SGF) to the Water Program Management Fund established under K.S.A. 65-166(b)(Attachment 2)
She continued by saying this bill raises the fee ceiling to $125.00. The fee increases currently being considered by the department will be phased in over a three-year period and the goal is to generate approximately $240,000.00 annually at the end of the three-year period.
Chairman Masterson asked members if they had questions. Several members asked questions regarding reasons to increase funds. All questions were answered.
Brad Mears presented written only testimony.(Attachment 3)
Doug Mays, Kansas Rural Water Association presented neutral testimony.(Attachment 4)
Mr. Mays stated that presently, many water systems across Kansas that are seeking to hire certified operators are experiencing a dearth of candidates. The origins of this shortage can be attributed to various reasons. One prominent cause, however, is a low passage rate by those taking the certification exam that at this time unnecessarily tests for both ground water and surface water treatment. The Kansas Rural Water Association supports statutory changes that would allow increases to operator certification fees up to $125.00. Provided, that changes be made to the certification exam in order to distinguish between groundwater and surface water treatment and that increases in such fees by gradual.
Mr. Mays answered questions from members.
Chairman Masterson closed the hearing on SB169
