Transportation committee advances KDOT authority to install statewide conduit for broadband

The Committee on Transportation voted to advance House Bill 26 47, a measure authorizing the Kansas Department of Transportation to establish, construct, maintain and operate a statewide physical conduit and microduct system to house optical fiber that would enable broadband transmission. Committee staff described fee authority, a new Kansas Broadband Revolving Fund and an annual reporting requirement; the bill would take effect July 1, 2026 if enacted.

Committee staff member Chris summarized the bill, noting it defines “system” as conduit and microduct that house fiber, authorizes the KDOT secretary to administer and maintain the infrastructure, allows KDOT to enter agreements with governmental and nongovernmental entities to install equipment or use the system when KDOT does not need the capacity, and authorizes fees and bonding authority for planning and construction. Chris also noted an annual report would be required to certain committees.

Representative Delperdang offered an amendment clarifying carriers would not be required to use KDOT’s interduct if they preferred to obtain a permit and bury their own fiber. “They can use the interduct if they wish or … obtain a permit and bury their own fiber,” Delperdang said, stressing the amendment preserves carrier choice. That amendment was seconded by Representative Paul Heisel and adopted by voice vote.

Representative Anderson successfully moved an amendment removing the bill’s bonding authority after KDOT had indicated bonding was not needed in prior testimony. Anderson also offered a name change and added language requiring the KDOT secretary to report to this committee, the Senate Transportation Committee and the Transportation/Public Safety Budget Committee by the 10th day of the next session; that amendment also carried.

After the amendments were adopted, Representative Delperdang moved the committee to pass HB 26 47 favorably as amended; Representative Goddard seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and announced the motion carried, advancing the bill out of committee.

The bill’s supporters framed the measure as a tool to expand broadband access by leveraging state right-of-way for conduit infrastructure and to permit partnerships with public and private entities. Amendments adopted in committee preserved carrier flexibility, eliminated bonding language KDOT characterized as unnecessary, and added committee reporting to provide oversight. The measure’s effective date in the draft is July 1, 2026.

The committee did not record a roll-call tally for the adoption of the amendments or the final passage; votes were taken by voice and the chair announced the motions carried. The bill will move forward in the legislative process as amended.