Gov. Laura Kelly signs bill to recover economic damages from wildfires caused by public utilities

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2107, which provides for a process for Kansans to recover economic damages from wildfires and other fire events caused by electric public utilities.

The bill creates a legal framework for Kansans to seek compensation for damages caused by a utility provider’s fire. Claims under the bill must be brought forth within two years of the date of damage.

The bill also requires the Kansas Corporation Commission to convene a workshop on wildfire risks, utility readiness to mitigate wildfires, risk mitigation strategies, and cost recovery for the impacts caused by wildfires.

“Kansas is no stranger to the risks and impacts of wildfires,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The changes included in this bill will help better prepare utility companies to identify and mitigate wildfire risks. By taking reasonable measures, we can better protect Kansans and provide a path to recover from the financial impacts of wildfires.”

In addition to House Bill 2107, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Bill 2120: Authorizes the State Board of Regents to sell and convey certain real property on behalf of Kansas State University and Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Center.

House Bill 2109: Exempts public utilities from civil liability relating to the attachment, access, operation, maintenance, or removal of law enforcement equipment on any structures owned by the utility.

House Bill 2052: Streamlines the process for an individual with a provisional concealed carry license to request a standard license and addresses requirements that specifically identify off duty law enforcement officers that are conceal carrying.

House Bill 2040: Extends the time in which the state corporation commission shall make a final order on a transmission line siting application, allowing time for additional landowner and stakeholder input.

House Bill 2037: Updates the hip of the council on travel and tourism and modernizes grant requirements to allow the council to award funding to the most feasible projects in the application process.