Kansas Statutes

Statute 48-1604: Conduct of studies concerning changes in laws and regulations with a view to nuclear industrial development. Each of the following departments and agencies of the state or their successors is directed to initiate and to pursue continuing studies as to the need for changes in the laws administered by it that would arise from the presence within the state of special nuclear, by-product and radioactive materials, from the operation in this state of production or utilization facilities, and from the generation of radiation, and, on the basis of such studies, to make such recommendations for the enactment of laws or amendments to laws administered by it, and to propose to the secretary such rules and regulations as may appear necessary and appropriate:

      (a)   The state department of commerce, particularly as to the promotion and development of the peaceful uses of atomic energy and related industries;

      (b)   the state labor department, particularly as to hazardous working conditions;

      (c)   the workers' compensation director, particularly as to the time and character of proof of claims of injuries and the extent of the compensation allowable therefor;

      (d)   the department of transportation, particularly as to the transportation of by-product, source, special nuclear, or other radioactive materials on highways of the state;

      (e)   the state corporation commission, particularly as to the transportation of by-product, source, special nuclear or other radioactive materials by common carriers not in interstate commerce and as to the participation by public utilities subject to its jurisdiction in projects looking to the development of production or utilization facilities for industrial or commercial use;

      (f)   the state insurance department, particularly as to the insurance of persons and property from hazards to life and property resulting from nuclear development;

      (g)   the Kansas department of wildlife and parks, particularly as to the hazards to the natural resources of the state, including wildlife;

      (h)   the state geological survey, particularly as to the possibility of disposal of radioactive wastes in subterranean areas; and

      (i)   such other departments and agencies as the governor may direct and for the purposes specified by the governor, and such other departments and agencies as may be provided for by law. Any conflict between the aforementioned agencies and the secretary concerning the issuance or substance of the secretary's rules and regulations shall be resolved by the governor. For the purpose of enabling the departments and agencies hereinbefore mentioned or authorized to exercise the powers and duties herein imposed or conferred, the departments and agencies may confer with technical or professional consultants as they deem necessary, and may reimburse such technical and professional personnel for the necessary and actual expenses incurred in connection with such consultations.

      History:   L. 1963, ch. 290, § 4; L. 1975, ch. 427, § 65; L. 1984, ch. 198, § 3; L. 1989, ch. 118, § 176; July 1.