House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB48 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Remedies for the impairment of a valid water right or permit to divert and use water.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 15, 2017
Chairman Kerschen opened the hearing on SB48.
Tamera Lawrence of the Revisor's Office explained the bill.
Kent Askren spoke in support of the bill because it streamlines impairment investigations so that the administrative remedies are utilized first and the courts serve as a backstop to guarantee equitable enforcement. (Attachment 1)
Susan Metzger spoke in support of the bill. She noted that the bill clarifies the administrative process available to a senior water right owner by allowing them to more fully protect their property rights through the administrative process conducted by the chief engineer. (Attachment 2)
John Donley testified in support of the bill. He believes that the bill will provide a needed update for a timely, efficient system to address impairment claims. (Attachment 3)
Aaron Popelka testified in support of the bill.He believes that bill will create a more predictable and cohesive system of handling impairment complaints. (Attachment 4)
Written testimony in support of the bill was provided by:
Mark Rude-Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District # 3 (Attachment 5)
Tracy Streeter- Kansas Water Office (Attachment 6)
Kirk Heger- Southwest Kansas Irrigation Association (Attachment 7)
Chairman Kerschen closed the hearing on SB48.
