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Senate backs creation of a statewide water program task force and working group
Summary
Senate substitute for House Bill 2172 would create a 13‑member water program task force and a technical working group to evaluate the state's water program, funding and develop long-term priorities and draft legislation. The task force is to report to the legislature by January 2026 and sunsets July 1, 2027.
The Senate passed a substitute for House Bill 2172 to establish a statewide water program task force and an appointed technical planning group.
What it does: The task force will consist of 13 members appointed quickly (aiming for appointment by April of the current year), including members from each of the state’s five conservation regions. The group’s charge includes evaluating funding for the state water program, traveling the state to gather stakeholder input, and developing recommendations and draft legislation for the next legislative session. A five‑person technical planning group — composed of attorneys, engineers, hydrologists or natural-resource planners — would be appointed by the task force co-chairs to provide technical analyses.
Why it matters: Senators and proponents said Kansas needs a long-term, prioritized plan for water investment and accountability; they compared the proposal to prior multi-year planning efforts that produced durable policy and funding frameworks (e.g., transportation planning). The task force is set to report to the legislature and governor by January following its formation. The task force and the working group would sunset on July 1, 2027.
Outcome: The Senate adopted the committee report and advanced the substitute; members praised the bill as an opportunity to coordinate multi-regional water policy and align funding priorities for infrastructure and conservation.
Next steps: The bill directs quick appointments and sets reporting expectations; the task force is intended to prepare draft legislation the legislature may consider next year.
