KansasElectric utilities would pay lawyer fees after higher land-taking awards
Electric public utilities would pay court-awarded lawyer fees if either side appeals compensation for taking land and a jury or court referee increases the appraisers’ award.
What it does
Electric public utilities would pay court-awarded lawyer fees when either side appeals compensation for taking land and a jury or court referee awards the landowner more.
Argument forLandowners could recover court-awarded lawyer fees when an appeal wins more compensation, helping them keep more of their land payment.
Argument againstUtilities could face added legal costs even when the landowner starts the appeal, if a jury or court referee increases compensation.
More detail
Courts would require electric public utilities to pay court-awarded lawyer fees to the landowner’s lawyer. The requirement would cover electric public utilities taking land through eminent domain, the legal process for taking property for public use. Either the utility or the landowner must appeal the compensation amount set by court-appointed appraisers. A jury or a court-appointed referee must award the landowner more than the appraisers awarded. If enacted, the requirement would take effect after publication in the statute book.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 10Died in CommitteeDied
- 2025
- Jan 23Referred to Senate Committee on JudiciaryMinor
- Jan 22IntroducedIntroduced
Environment & Energy