WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 191

Limiting the amount of fees, taxes and other charges on a utility bill assessed by a board of public utilities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Haley

SB 191 caps utility board fees and surcharges on customer bills to prevent excessive rate increases in Kansas.

Died in Committee
#municipalities #utilities
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 191

Legislative bill overview

SB 191 would cap or limit the fees, taxes, and charges that boards of public utilities in Kansas can assess on customer utility bills. The bill appears designed to prevent excessive rate increases beyond the actual cost of providing water, electricity, or other utility services. The specific caps and exemptions would be detailed in the bill's language.

Why is this important

Utility bills directly affect household budgets and business operating costs across Kansas. Unchecked fees and surcharges can significantly increase customer expenses beyond the base service cost. This bill addresses complaints about non-transparent or accumulating charges that utilities use to fund infrastructure, administration, and regulatory compliance.

Potential points of contention

  • Infrastructure funding concerns: Utilities rely on fees and surcharges to fund system upgrades, maintenance, and compliance with environmental regulations; limiting these could delay necessary infrastructure improvements or shift costs to base rates
  • Local control vs. state mandate: Boards of public utilities are typically locally governed; state-level restrictions may conflict with local communities' ability to manage their own utility finances and priorities
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "fees, taxes and other charges" are defined and which charges are exempted, which could create loopholes or unintended consequences

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.