SB 171

This bill expands the regulatory authority of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's secretary to include licensing nuclear fusion systems under the state's radiation protection and control framework. It amends existing statutes (K.S.A. 48-1603 and 48-1606) to establish a licensure fee structure for nuclear fusion facilities and grants the secretary new enforcement power to impose late fees on any expired radiation protection and control licenses, not just those related to fusion. The legislation appears to be preparing Kansas's regulatory infrastructure for the potential development of nuclear fusion technology in the state while also strengthening the department's ability to ensure compliance with radiation safety requirements through financial penalties for expired licenses.