K.S.A. 74-599

Notwithstanding the provisions of K.S.A. 77-514 , and amendments thereto, on and after July 1, 2004, with respect to hearings pursuant to K.S.A. 65-6a18 et seq., and amendments thereto, before the secretary of agriculture in accordance with the Kansas administrative procedure act, a hearing officer from the office of administrative hearings shall be the presiding officer unless the party requests that the matter, for which a hearing has been scheduled or for which a right to a hearing exists, be heard by a hearing officer appointed by the secretary.