SESSION OF 2000



SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2767



As Recommended by House Committee on

Business, Commerce, and Labor



Brief (1)



HB 2767 transfers control of coal and underground rock or limestone mine maps or plans from the Secretary of Human Resources to the state geologist at the Kansas Geological Survey. In addition, the bill requires all maps and plans in the custody of the Secretary of Human Resources to be transferred to the state geologist by July 31, 2000.



Background



HB 2767 was introduced at the request of the Kansas Department of Human Resources. A representative of the Department testified that the bill amends KSA 49-201, the only remaining section of an old Kansas law which once regulated the health and safety of miners, and which requires owners or operators of certain types of mines to file updated maps or plans with the Department. The bill also requires the Department to ensure the accuracy of those maps or plans. He said that the state geologist is better equipped to survey maps, interpret and preserve maps, and make maps available to the public. A representative of the Kansas Geological Survey testified that the Survey already collects, archives, and disseminates data and reports on mines as well as maps from other sources in Kansas. A representative of the Kansas Aggregate Producers' Association testified in support of the bill.



The House Committee on Business, Commerce, and Labor placed the bill on the Consent Calendar.



The Division of the Budget's fiscal note indicated that the enactment of HB 2767 would have no fiscal impact on state revenues or expenditures.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html