22 March 2006

Nuclear plant security increased by Sebelius action
New law protecting Wolf Creek among six bills signed today

To help increase the security of the Wolf Creek nuclear plant, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed a bill saying guards are justified in using deadly force to protect the facility.

“There’s no doubt that nuclear facilities are a potential target for terrorists. Kansas has one nuclear plant, Wolf Creek, and we must make sure it’s properly protected. Allowing guards to use deadly force in certain circumstances increases the security of the plant, and of our state,” said Sebelius.

HB 2703 enacts the Nuclear Generating Facility Security Guard Act, which states that armed nuclear security guards are justified in using physical force, up to and including deadly force, under certain circumstances. It also creates a new crime of trespassing on a nuclear generating facility. The bill will take effect after its publication in the statute book.

Governor Sebelius also signed into law five other bills, which will all take into effect upon publication in the statute book. Descriptions of those bills appear below.

Granting an easement for construction of diversion works along Kansas River

HB 2716 authorizes Water District No. 1 of Johnson County to acquire an easement on property owned by the state along the Kansas River in order to construct water diversion works. Water District No. 1 relies on the Kansas River for approximately one-third of its raw water supply, and in 2004 the current rock jetty was breached, causing the loss of the use of the river.

Changing effective date of certain fees under franchise ordinances

HB 2927 provides that franchise fees in newly annexed areas imposed by cities on electric and natural gas utilities would not take effect until 30 days after the city clerk provides the affected utility with a certified copy of the annexation ordinance, proof of publication of the ordinance, and a map of the city detailing the annexed area.

Making the Kansas Environmental Audit Privilege Law tougher

SB 453 amends various provisions of the Kansas Environmental Audit Privilege Law, enacted in 1995. The existing Kansas environmental privilege law does not meet the minimum requirements necessary for EPA delegation of federal programs to the state or for EPA approval of state environmental programs. This bill would remedy these problems.

Expansion of authority of the Kansas Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act

SB 464 provides the Kansas Corporation Commission the authority to adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of the Kansas Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (KUUDPA).

Adding requirement from guardians and conservators

SB 354 adds the requirement to the statute dealing with guardians and conservators that voluntary conservatorships must also file an annual report and accounting.

Governor Sebelius has now signed 30 bills and vetoed 2 during the 2006 Legislative Session.