Kansas Governor signs new eminent domain restrictions on utility companies

Kansas Governor signs new eminent domain restrictions on utility companies

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bill that will require electric utilities to take certain steps before exercising eminent domain to construct an urban electric transmission line in the state. The law requires utilities to complete the following before construction:

First, notify the city in which the project is proposed at least six months before construction, and present preliminary plans, including the locations and dimensions of the project.

The utility must then conduct an open house - with sufficient notice to community members - in the city, allowing affected landowners to provide public comment

The utility must also obtain any required permits.

The governor called it a "commonsense measure."  Kelly also said that the bill would ensure Kansans can communicate with utilities about new transmission lines that may affect their homes, businesses, and communities.