April 05, 2006
Sebelius signs bill promoting ethanol
Governor signs four bills into law today
As chair of the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition, Governor Kathleen Sebelius is leading a national effort to promote the use ethanol. That effort received a boost today thanks to a bill she signed encouraging the use of E85 fuel in Kansas.
“Ethanol is better for our environment, it supports Kansas farmers, and it decreases our dependence on foreign oil. Kansans have already increased their use of ethanol by over 600 percent since 2005, and this action will help continue that growth,” Sebelius said.
E85 fuel is a blend of ethanol and conventional gasoline that typically contains 85 percent ethanol by volume, but at a minimum must contain 70 percent ethanol by volume.
The bill signed by Sebelius, SB 544, reduces the motor vehicle fuel tax rate on E85 fuels by 7 cents per gallon effective January 1, 2007, for a new rate of 17 cents per gallon. Starting July 1, 2020, the tax on E85 fuels will be 11 cents per gallon, or 7 cents below the tax on most other fuels.
The bill will take effect after publication in the Kansas register.
Governor Sebelius also signed three other bills into law today, which will take effect upon publication in the statute book. The Governor has signed a total of 82 bills and vetoed two during the 2006 Legislative Session.
Promoting the development of the Topeka riverfront
SB 575 creates the Topeka/Shawnee County Riverfront Authority to promote the creation of recreational, retail, entertainment, economic development and housing within the riverfront of the metropolitan area of the City of Topeka. The Authority will be governed by a six-member Riverfront Board whose members are Kansas residents, non-elected officials and serve a three-year term. Three members will be appointed by the Mayor of Topeka, with approval of the Topeka City Council, and three will be appointed by the Shawnee County Commission. The Authority will have the power to acquire by purchase, lease or gift real property or rights in property, but would not have the power to acquire property by eminent domain.
Amending the Kansas Collision Damage Waiver Act
HB 2159 amends the Kansas Collision Damage Waiver Act by creating the definition “authorized driver.” It also sets out exclusions for collision damage waivers that include damage arising out of the use of the vehicle while committing or engaging in a criminal act, damage occurring while the vehicle is operated by someone other than an authorized driver, and towing or pushing anything or operating the vehicle off road.
Creating the Kansas Alternative Project Delivery Building Construction Procurement Act
HB 2394 establishes the Kansas Alternative Project Delivery Building Construction Procurement Act which provides a second method for procuring building design and construction services for state public improvement contracts. The bill only applies to state agencies, including state educational institutions under the Board of Regents, that have authority to award public contracts for building design and construction of state projects. This legislation provides for use of alternative delivery methods, used on a limited basis, after determination is made that such a method is appropriate, such as building design-build or construction manager at-risk, for state building design and construction projects.
