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Minutes for HB2544 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Establishing the relocation reimbursement assistance fund to provide reimbursement assistance to communications service providers that are required to relocate facilities located in the public right-of-way pursuant to an order or directive of a municipality.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 29, 2026
Chairman opens the hearing on HB2544.
Nick Myers, Office of Revisor of Statutes provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment11) Mr. Myers responded to questions from the committee members.
Proponent:
Dayton Murty, Charter Communications (Attachment12) who testified in support of the bill that would create a state fund, utilizing one-time infrastructure hub federal moneys that were unused in last year's budget and to help reimburse no-rate regulated providers for the costs to relocate their facilities. Ensuring all taxpayers share the financial burden of public improvements, which benefit the public at large. He added this proposed solution would help cover the unanticipated costs while not forcing local governments to use franchise fees or raise property taxes and reduces the unfunded government mandate on internet, telecommunications, and video providers.
Megan Bottenberg, Cox Communications (Attachment13) testified in support of the bill that would provide communications service providers an opportunity to be reimbursed for forced relocation as a result of third-party needs. She added every dollar reimbursed is a dollar that can be invested in expanding broadband access, improving service quality, and ensuring affordable service.
Kimberly Gencur Svaty, representing Kansas Municipal Utilities (Attachment14) testified in support the bill that would be a solid demonstration of good-faith collaboration and creative thinking. She added the public right-of -way is land dedicated to or acquired by a city, county, or state, held in public trust for the benefit of the community and would help ensure private capital investment by way of broadband or fiber in the ground which continues to be deployed in communities of all size across Kansas.
Nathan Eberline, The League of Kansas Municipalities (Attachment15) testified in support of the bill that reflects an approach to recognize a shared interest between Kansas, its cities, and telecommunication providers by pairing local cooperation with state participation. The bill seeks to advance infrastructure investment without shifting new or unanticipated costs onto local taxpayers. He added cities support this framework, local governments would be willing to partner in development, while remaining careful stewards of public funds and public rights-of-ways entrusted to them.
Neutral:
Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties, KAC, (Attachment16) who testified as neutral to the bill explaining as drafted, does not place any additional burden on counties or county governments to pay for the relocation of video service provide lines. However, he added any expansion in language that could deplete the fund, or that would require local property tax dollars to fund relocation, KAC would be opposed.
Conferees responded to questions from the committee members.
WRITTEN ONLY TESTIMONY:
Darin Miller, AT&T (Attachment17)
Erik Sartorius, Communications Coalition of Kansas (Attachment18)
Dick Carter, City of Overland Park (Attachment19)
Darryl Lutz, Local Road Engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment20)
Mallory Lutz, Little Government Relations (Attachment21)
Chairman Delperdang closed the hearing on HB2544.
Chairman announced the next committee meeting would be Tuesday, February 3 and adjourned the meeting at 10:39am.
