House Rural Revitalization Committee heard about climate change
The House Rural Revitalization Committee heard a briefing on the impact of climate change on rural Kansas from Mary Knapp, the Assistant State Climatologist based out of K-State's Agronomy Department. She described the effect that the average first frost date and last freeze has on the different parts of the state, particularly in the agricultural sector (as it impacts what crops farmers can raise). If freeze dates shift with changes in the climate, then the state may see changes in the vegetation that can survive. She noted that 2012 was a devastating year for some farmers due to freezes at unanticipated times.
Most of the impacts discussed dealt with agricultural impacts, although there was some discussion about the impacts if higher temperatures on individuals unable to run their air conditioning adequately to compensate for it. This prompted the idea for a hot weather rule for utilities (similar to the cold weather rule they already have to follow).
Later in the meeting, transportation infrastructure came up and legislators questioned whether the state needs to set aside more resources for managing infrastructure maintenance given the temperature swings and the wear and tear that causes on roads.
Dr. Charles Rice also spoke at the committee meeting. He discussed erosion control on agricultural land and flooding that can occur due to soil erosion. He mentioned that flood abatement plans in cities are based on standards from the 1950s and that it would be advisable to rethink those standards.
Requested to weigh in on SB 168 (K
ansas home inspectors professional competency and financial responsibility act; establishing the home inspectors registration fee fun)
Senator Holland asked Terry Humphrey, AIA Kansas Executive Director, for our opinion about a draft substitute for Senate Bill 168. The draft substitute was sent to the AIA Kansas Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC). The GAC Chairman found no concerns with the new language that would exempt architects from the requirements of the act. This was communicated to both Senator Holland and the Kansas Association of Realtors. SB 168 was not taken up in the committee hearing so the substitute draft was not introduced.
Committee seeks passage of a budget amendment to study viability options for the Docking State Office Building
The Kansas Legislature’s building committee agreed on Monday to seek a budget amendment allowing a state agency to study viability options for retaining a portion of Docking State Office building. There appears to be interest among members of the joint House and Senate committee to do something, but what exactly is unclear. The chairman hopes the committee can sort through options for the building when the Legislature convenes in January 2020.
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