Lump-sum payment of state liability; exception; boards not to certify assessment to county clerk; protest and negotiation of assessments

(a) All special assessments for which the state has liability shall be paid in one lump sum pursuant to appropriation therefor by the legislature unless a state agency, with the approval of the secretary of administration, elects to pay any such assessment from any available current funds of the agency. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the share of cost of any special assessment applicable to the state of Kansas shall not be certified to the county clerk by any board for levy of the special assessment, but in lieu thereof the amount of such liability shall be determined in dollars by the board, and upon making such determination the board shall promptly notify the secretary of such amount. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of duly designated representatives of the state from negotiating or appearing for the state in protest of any assessment or the amount thereof. (b) The secretary of administration may approve the payment of special assessments, including charges levied pursuant to K.S.A. 19-2751 even though the board levying the same has failed: (1) To notify the secretary of the commencement of proceedings as required by K.S.A. 12-3504; or (2) to submit all information required by regulations adopted by the secretary pursuant to K.S.A. 12-3504.