Requiring an electric public utility to pay a landowner's attorney fees when a party appeals the appraisers' award and the jury renders a verdict that is greater than the appraisers' award in an eminent domain action.

SB 61 modifies Kansas law to require electric public utilities to cover a landowner's attorney fees in eminent domain cases when the landowner appeals the court-appointed appraisers' valuation and wins at trial. Specifically, if a jury or master rules in the landowner's favor with a higher award than the appraisers' original valuation, the court must award the landowner's attorney fees as court costs. This applies only to electric utilities (like power companies) during land acquisition, changing the prior rule that allowed courts discretion ("may allow") to a mandatory requirement ("shall allow"). The bill directly affects electric utilities facing landowner appeals and landowners challenging valuation in eminent domain proceedings.