Week 5 of the 2025 Session

During Week 5, legislators were busy with bill hearings and working to pass bills out of committee leading up to Turnaround Day on Thursday, Feb. 20, the last day for consideration of non-exempt bills in the house of origin. Despite the Governor’s Declaration of Inclement Weather and the closure of state office buildings on Feb. 12, legislators conducted virtual bill hearings and work sessions. The Appropriations Committee passed the House budget bill while other committees worked bills related to scope of practice, rural hospitals, the authority of public health officials and legislative oversight of Medicaid plan changes. This edition of Health at the Capitol looks at health-related policy issues addressed by the Legislature the week of Feb. 10.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 63, the first bill presented to her this session, which would enact the Help Not Harm Act. (The Governor’s veto was overridden on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Look for additional details in our Week 6 recap). The bill:

• Prohibits health care providers from providing certain treatments to a child who has a perceived gender or perceived sex that is different than the child’s biological sex.
• Prohibits recipients of state funds, including the Kansas Medicaid program and its managed care organizations, from using such funds to provide or subsidize the prohibited treatment.
• Prohibits recipients of state funds for the treatment of children for psychological conditions from prescribing, dispensing or administering medication as defined in the bill, performing surgery or providing a referral to another health care provider for the identified medication or surgery for a child whose perceived gender or perceived sex is inconsistent with the child’s sex.
• Except to the extent required by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, prohibits state property, facilities or buildings from being used to promote or advocate the use of social transitioning, medication or surgery.
• Prohibits certain state employees, while in their official capacities, from providing or promoting medication or surgery as a treatment.
• Defines that a health care provider in violation of the Act would be engaged in unprofessional conduct and provide authority to sanction the licensee.
• Provides exceptions to the prohibited treatment.
• Establishes a treatment protocol for a provider to follow for a patient currently receiving the prohibited treatment.
• Establishes a strict liability standard, establishes a statute of limitations of 10 years from the child’s 18th birthday and creates a private cause of action.
• Prohibits a professional liability insurance policy issued to a health care provider from providing coverage for damages assessed against a health care provider who provided the prohibited treatment.

In her veto message the Governor stated that she was disappointed that “…the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions…”

House Committee on Health and Human Services
(Rep. Will Carpenter, Chair)

The Committee held a hearing on House Bill (HB) 2217, which would expand the powers of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office of Inspector General to investigate and audit all state cash, food and health assistance programs, including Medicaid, MediKan and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill aims to enhance oversight to detect fraud, waste and abuse; strengthen enforcement through subpoena power and independent investigations; and mandate regular reporting on program integrity. It also would set stricter eligibility rules for state Medicaid contracts for entities previously found guilty of fraud or misconduct. Proponent testimony was provided by Steve Anderson, Medicaid Inspector General, who emphasized that the goal is to improve program efficiency and accountability without removing rightful beneficiaries. He cited over $330 million in identified fraud and waste since 2021 and stated that his office would focus on high-level investigations of vendors, providers and employees rather than individual recipients. Written-only opponent testimony was submitted by representatives of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), Kansas Action for Children (KAC) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), who expressed concerns over duplication of existing fraud investigation efforts, inefficient use of state resources and data privacy risks.

Committee members asked questions regarding the definition of “other illegal acts” in the bill (Revisor stated that the bill does not define this term, so it would be interpreted based on existing state or federal law); whether there is a definition for “significant levels of fraud” (Revisor confirmed that the bill does not provide a specific definition); how subpoenas would be issued and whether judicial oversight is required (Revisor explained that subpoenas would typically be issued directly by the Inspector General but could be challenged in court if opposed); the process for issuing search warrants and whether they must go through a specific county judge (Revisor confirmed that warrants must be approved by a judge in the county where the jurisdictional action occurs); whether the Attorney General has unrestricted access to records (Revisor stated that the bill does not explicitly prohibit access but that records would generally be provided to the Attorney General only after a significant finding); whether the Inspector General’s authority includes broad access to records or requires a specific allegation of wrongdoing (Revisor explained that the bill grants broad discretion to review records without a specific allegation of fraud); whether Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are considered contractors under the bill and whether their records would be included (Revisor confirmed that MCOs are included as contractors and their records would be subject to review under the bill); how the Inspector General’s office ensures audits and investigations are not politically motivated or used vindictively (Anderson stated that investigations require probable cause and the Office operates independently and the Attorney General does not direct or access ongoing investigations); the fiscal impact of the expansion (Anderson stated the Office is requesting nine additional FTEs for expanded oversight, which is separate from three additional staff requested for Medicaid-related audits); and whether tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs would be included under the bill (yes). On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee amended the bill to remove the state employee health benefits plan from the definition of “health assistance” and passed it favorably out of committee, as amended.

The Committee also held a hearing on HB 2280, which would expand the scope of practice for emergency medical service providers to allow them to perform specialized medical activities upon the order of a qualified health care provider. The bill also would allow nonemergency ambulance services to operate for less than 24 hours a day and require entities placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the state to register them with the Emergency Medical Services Board. Proponent testimony was provided by the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, the Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association, TECH EMS and the Mid-America Regional Council Emergency Rescue, who stated the bill modernizes and clarifies EMS regulations, eliminates outdated restrictions and improves efficiency in emergency care delivery as well as supports emerging health care models like mobile integrated health (MIH). Neutral testimony was provided a representative of the Kansas School Board Association, who acknowledged the importance of AED registration but expressed concerns about potential legal liability if AEDs cannot be technologically registered and requested that the bill language be softened. The Committee then worked the bill and passed it favorably out of committee.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2218, which would amend the Kansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act to define psilocybin (a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms) in a way that excludes pharmaceutical crystalline polymorph psilocybin, known as COMP 360 (an investigational synthesized formulation of psilocybin currently being experimented with to treat symptoms of depression). The bill would add this specific form of psilocybin to Schedule IV controlled substances, allowing its legal use upon FDA approval.

The Committee also held a hearing on HB 2159, which would establish the Emergency Opioid Antagonists (EOA) Assistance Grant Fund, administered by the Attorney General, to help law enforcement agencies purchase emergency opioid antagonists. The bill would maintain legal immunity for law enforcement officers and agencies administering opioid antagonists and remove law enforcement from the State Board of Pharmacy’s opioid antagonist protocol. An annual $4.0 million from the State General Fund (SGF) would be allocated to support the initiative. On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee amended the bill to specifically exempt a law enforcement agency from the EOA protocol’s requirement to use a physician medical director or a licensed pharmacist and reduced the amount of the annual transfer from the SGF to the initiative from $4.0 million to $500,000, and passed it favorably out of committee, as amended.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2284, which would require the Department of Administration to establish written policies regarding the negotiated procurement of contracted Medicaid services provided by managed care organizations. Written policies would be required to have an appeals process, which would be overseen and adjudicated by an appeals committee composed of ten members of the Legislature. Three specific requirements must be included in these policies:

• A prohibition on destruction of records, including evaluation documents, that complies with the Kansas Open Records Act.
• Adoption of a tiebreak procedure if part of the evaluation process used to make award recommendations involves scoring by individuals or committees.
• A requirement to be transparent with the Legislature during each step of the procurement process to the fullest extent permitted by state law.

Proponent testimony was provided by Rep. Will Carpenter. No opponent or neutral testimony was submitted. On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee amended the bill to include the appeals process and oversight by an appeals committee that includes the Senate President, Speaker of the House, and the chair and ranking minority members of the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare, House Committee on Insurance and House Committee on Health and Human Services, and passed it favorably out of committee, as amended.

The Committee also held a hearing on HB 2219, which would establish the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact. The compact would take effect once adopted by at least seven states. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Adjutant General’s Department, the Kansas Chamber, the Kansas Academy of Physician Associates and the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA). Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Teladoc Health. Proponents generally stated that the compact would increase workforce mobility and improved access to health care. The Kansas Chamber proposed two amendments to clarify language on criminal background checks and fee structures to match the language used by other states wishing to join the compact. No opponent or neutral testimony was submitted. The Committee made technical corrections to the bill and passed it favorably out of committee, as amended.

The Committee also held a hearing on HB 2307, which would transfer responsibility for the state’s prenatal and postnatal diagnosed conditions awareness program from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD). The Committee adopted a technical amendment and passed HB 2307 favorably out of committee, as amended.

The Committee also held a hearing on HB 2249, which would require KDADS to grant physical environment waivers to rural emergency hospitals (REH) that meet specific criteria, allowing them to convert up to 10 swing beds into skilled nursing facility (SNF) beds. The bill addresses a regulatory gap that prevented Mercy Hospital in Moundridge from retaining SNF services after transitioning into an REH. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of KHA and Mercy Hospital. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by a representative of LeadingAge Kansas. Proponents generally stated that the current regulations lead to financial losses for REHs and decrease access to post-acute care in rural communities. They also argued the bill would allow hospitals to continue providing short-term skilled nursing services without undergoing unnecessary and costly renovations to meet long-term care facility standards. Neutral testimony was provided by KDADS, who noted there is only one REH that meets the criteria to request the physical environment waiver. The Committee then passed HB 2249 favorably out of committee.

Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare
(Sen. Beverly Gossage, Chair) 

On Monday, Feb. 10, the Committee held a hearing on SB 126 (companion bill to HB 2219, described above), which would enact the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact. Proponent testimony was provided by the same conferees who presented in the House Health and Human Services Committee. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee adopted two technical amendments and passed the bill favorably out of committee, as amended.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee held a hearing on SB 82 (companion bill to HB 2249 described above). Testimony was provided by the same conferees who presented in the House Health and Human Services Committee. The Committee subsequently passed the bill favorably out of committee on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The Committee also held a hearing on SB 88, which would amend K.S.A. 75-7306 to require the state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsmen to receive training in dementia care. The bill specifies training topics, including effective communication with dementia patients, recognizing behavioral symptoms and strategies for preventing resident safety risks such as wandering. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of the Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, the Alzheimer’s Association and three private citizens. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of LeadingAge Kansas and Kansas Advocates for Better Care and seven private citizens. The Committee subsequently passed the bill favorably out of committee on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The Committee also worked SB 29 and recommended a substitute bill be passed to change the authority of a county or joint board of health or local health officer to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of infectious or contagious disease, to one of allowing a recommendation against public gatherings. The Committee adopted the substitute bill and passed it favorably out of committee

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Committee held a hearing on SB 193, which would amend K.S.A. 65-16,127 related to dispensing and providing prescription-only opioid antagonists in Kansas. The bill would exclude law enforcement and their respective agencies from the definition of first responder agencies and personnel would not be eligible to receive prescription-only naloxone from pharmacists via the statewide dispensing protocol. However, the liability waivers and other protections would be left in place for law enforcement who administer opioid antagonists in good faith to someone experiencing a suspected overdose. Proponent testimony was provided by a representative of the three law enforcement associations (Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriff’s Association and Kansas Peace Officers Association) who stated that current requirements discourage smaller law enforcement agencies from carrying naloxone due to financial and logistical burdens. On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Committee added language specifically exempting a law enforcement agency from the Protocol’s requirement to use a physician medical director or a licensed pharmacist and passed Substitute for SB 193 favorably out of committee.

The Committee also held a hearing on SB 145, which would amend child welfare reporting laws to require immediate notification of law enforcement when DCF assigns an investigation into suspected abuse or neglect. The bill also would require DCF to share investigative resources with law enforcement agencies upon request to facilitate joint investigations. Neutral testimony was provided by representatives of the Kansas law enforcement associations, the Office of the Child Advocate and DCF who generally supported the intent of improving communication between DCF and law enforcement but raised concerns that the bill’s language could create unnecessary reporting burdens. It was noted that DCF already notifies law enforcement in cases of serious physical harm, sexual abuse or imminent danger. Committee members asked questions regarding the impact of caseloads for law enforcement (law enforcement conferees stated it could significantly increase workload); what the bill means by “sharing resources” (bill would require DCF to share resources, such as statements or reports related to an investigation, with law enforcement); and whether an amendment limiting notifications to cases involving suspected criminal activity would resolve concerns (conferees agreed it would).

On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Committee held a hearing on SB 67, which would authorize independent practice authority and the prescribing of drugs by registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) but prohibit the performance of an abortion or prescribing of drugs for an abortion. The bill is the same as SB 112 from the 2023 session, which was passed by the Senate but died in the House committee. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of the Kansas Chamber and Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (KANA) and an individual citizen. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of Amberwell Health, Kansas Family Voice, Wilde Foot & Ankle Clinic, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Kansas Advance Practice Nurses, Americans for Prosperity Kansas (AFP Kansas), Kansas Chiropractic Association, Kansas State Board of Nursing and the Kansas Justice Institute and 17 individual citizens. Proponents generally stated that CRNAs already provide the majority of anesthesia care in Kansas particularly in rural areas, and removing oversight requirements would improve patient access to care. Opponent testimony was provided by representatives of the Kansas Medical Society (KMS) and the Kansas Society of Anesthesiologists and written-only opponent testimony was submitted by a representative of Anesthesia Associates of Kansas City. Opponents stated that the bill removes essential safety oversight, expands CRNA practice beyond anesthesia and does not improve access to care. Written-only neutral testimony was submitted by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA) and the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee held a hearing on SB 250, which would create the Right to Try for Individualized Treatment Act, allowing patients with life-threatening diseases to access investigational treatments specifically tailored to their genetic profile. It would permit manufacturers to provide these treatments and would allow patients to pay for them out-of-pocket. The bill also would protect health care providers and institutions from liability and ensure that insurers are not required to cover these treatments. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of the Goldwater Institute and two private citizens. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of Destroy Duchenne, AFP Kansas and the Myositis Association. Proponents stated that federal regulations have not kept pace with medical advancements, preventing patients from accessing potentially life-saving treatments and noted that several states have enacted similar laws. Written-only neutral testimony was submitted by a representative of KSBHA, who raised concerns about ambiguous definitions, patient safety, informed consent requirements and potential limits on regulatory oversight. There was no opponent testimony submitted. Committee members asked questions regarding whether the bill conflicts with FDA regulations (Goldwater representative stated that there are efforts to push for federal approval and other states have not had federal interference) and whether the bill ensures patient safety (Goldwater representative stated treatments would still require physician approval and be reviewed by IRBs).

House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care
(Rep. Cyndi Howerton, Chair)

On Monday, Feb. 10, the Committee heard another presentation from the Casey Family Foundation, this time addressing youth with complex needs. Mischa Martin, Senior Director of Strategic Consulting at Casey Family Programs, focused on the intersection of behavioral health and child welfare, emphasizing that families should not have to access foster care just to obtain behavioral health services for their children. Martin outlined eight key considerations for improving systems that serve youth with complex needs:

• Actively engage children, parents and families
• Use data to define and assess needs and inform solutions
• Build coordinated, cross-system approaches
• Create culturally responsible, healing-centered behavioral health supports
• Invest in workforce capacity building and training
• Strengthen community pathways and concrete prevention supports
• Increase access to effective legal supports and advocacy
• Prioritize kin placement and expand support for kin

Martin shared that Kansas has already made significant strides in behavioral health and child welfare collaboration. The state launched a mobile crisis response system in 2021, partially funded through Medicaid, to provide timely support to youth in crisis. Additionally, the Kansas Family First Prevention Services Plan funds evidence-based interventions such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) and Family-Centered Treatment (FCT). However, Martin noted that Kansas’ juvenile justice reform, while successfully reducing juvenile detention, has increased the number of youth in child welfare, raising concerns about whether children are being served in the most appropriate system. Martin advocated for Kansas to continue evaluating whether children are in the right placements and whether some could be served at home with additional supports.

House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
(Rep. Bob Lewis, Chair)

On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Committee worked HB 2221, which would create a new fund within KDADS for alcohol and drug abuse treatment, transfer funds and liabilities to the fund, and abolish a corresponding Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) fund. The bill would create the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Fund within KDADS and direct that on July 1, 2025, all moneys in the KDOC fund be transferred to the KDADS fund and all liabilities of the KDOC fund be assumed by the KDADS fund. The Committee adopted two technical amendments and then passed the bill, as amended, favorably out of committee.

House Welfare Reform Committee
(Rep. Francis Awerkamp, Chair)

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2240, which would require legislative approval for any Medicaid state plan amendments, waivers or policy changes that expand coverage or increase costs to the state. The bill would apply to future changes, not those already in place before July 1, 2025. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of the Opportunity Solutions Project, InterHab, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Big Lakes CPF Training Services, Inc., and two private citizens. Proponents stated that Medicaid waivers and amendments without legislative input have led to millions in additional spending and some conferees proposed an amendment to require legislative approval for changes affecting intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services, citing concerns over lack of stakeholder involvement in recent policy decisions. Opponent testimony was provided by representatives of Oral Health Kansas, Health Forward, KDADS, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Department, Mid-America Emergency Rescue, American Academy of Pediatricians, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, Kansas BreastFeeding Coalition, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, KanCare Advocates Network, Thrive Allen County and KAC.

Opponents generally stated that the bill’s broad language could delay necessary Medicaid updates, particularly for children, emergency health changes and federally mandated adjustments. Committee members asked questions regarding whether oversight would apply to small administrative changes (proponents stated the intent is to ensure legislative approval for major policy shifts); why additional oversight is needed (current processes that expand eligibility or increases costs do not always require explicit legislative approval); and whether the bill could be amended to improve oversight while avoiding delays (opponents stated that increasing transparency may be a better approach). The Committee amended the bill to:

• Authorize the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) to approve a state agency’s request for a Medicaid state plan, state plan amendment, state demonstration or a waiver pursuant to Section 1115 or 1015 of the federal Social Security Act when the Legislature is not in session or designate a standing or special committee to review such agency’s request and make recommendations to the LCC.
• Prohibit changes to I/DD funding structures, day services and targeted case management services for persons with I/DD without either legislative or LCC approval, allowing for LCC designation of a standing or special committee to review such requests and make recommendations to the LCC.

HB 2240 was passed favorably out of committee, as amended.

The Committee also held a hearing on HB 2360, which would require DCF and KDHE to enter into agreements for data matching with state, federal and commercial entities to verify eligibility for public assistance programs. The bill would mandate periodic data reviews for wage and employment records, out-of-state transactions, incarceration status and other factors. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of the Opportunity Solutions Project, who stated that real-time data verification would reduce fraud and ensure benefits go to eligible recipients, saving taxpayer money. Opponent testimony was provided by representatives of DCF and Harvesters the Kansas Food Bank, who stated that eligibility checks are already occurring and that additional data matching requirements would create administrative burdens without significantly improving efficiency.

House Committee on Insurance
(Rep. William Sutton, Chair)

On Monday, Feb. 10, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2245, which would transfer all powers, duties and functions of the staff of the Division of the State Employee Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) and the State Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Fund of the Department of Administration to the Kansas Insurance Department under the direction of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill also would designate the Insurance Commissioner as the Chairperson of the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission, who would administer all budgeting, purchasing and related management functions of the Commission. The bill would place the technical administrator under the direction and supervision of the Insurance Commissioner. Proponent testimony was provided by Chair Sutton, who stated that he requested the bill be drafted and noted that a similar bill (HB 2834) was passed by the House during the 2024 session. He also stated that the purpose of the bill is to address the issue that the Department of Administration does not have the infrastructure for dealing with customer complaints or with the health care system in cases where the insurance company is not providing the benefits in the SEHBP or is denying services. However, the Insurance Department handles insurance inquiries and has a division responsible for investigating insurance questions or concerns. Opponent testimony was provided by a representative of the Department of Administration who stated that there would be no efficiencies gained by passage of the bill and there would be a “real and clear conflict of interest” because the mission of the Insurance Department is to serve as the regulatory agency for insurance companies and not as a service delivery agency. Transferring the SEHBP to the Insurance Department would require it to negotiate pricing and terms of procurement from the very companies they regulate. There was no neutral testimony provided. The Committee subsequently worked HB 2245 on Friday, Feb. 14, adopted technical amendments and passed the bill, as amended, out of committee.

The Committee then held a hearing on HB 2246, which would enact the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act. Under the bill, hospitals licensed in Kansas would be required to provide pricing of its top 300 procedures, provide payment estimates for elective tests and procedures upon request and provide written information about a patient’s ability to request payment estimates. The Attorney General would enforce the provisions of the Act and would be required to send each hospital a letter about the requirements and effective date of the Act. Beginning on July 1, 2025, if the Attorney General finds that a hospital is noncompliant with 45 C.F.R. §180, which requires hospitals operating in the U.S. to provide clear, accessible pricing information online about items and services it provides, it would refer information about the hospital’s noncompliance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for enforcement purposes. The bill also would allow a patient who believes a hospital is not in compliance with the Act to file a civil action against the hospital and details the orders a court would issue against a hospital if a court determined that the hospital is out of compliance.

Chair Sutton stated that his reason for drafting the bill was to clarify that the state is authorized to investigate noncompliance and refer that information to the federal government. Opponent testimony was provided by representatives of Stormont Vail Health, KHA and Rice Community Health. Written-only opponent testimony was submitted by representatives of Girard Medical Center, Physicians Hospitals of Kansas, Ascension Via Christi and Common Spirit Health. The opponents generally stated that while they are not opposed to transparency, the bill is unnecessarily duplicative of existing federal regulations and potentially harmful, especially for rural hospitals, and that hospitals are already complying with the federal price transparency laws, which have been enforced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) since 2021. The representative for KHA recommended that the Legislature convene a focus group that includes all of the players in price transparency (insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, employers, other types of health organizations) and make cost more transparent and meaningful for consumers/patients and argued that Kansas hospitals are already going above and beyond the intent of the federal law.

The Committee subsequently worked HB 2246 on Friday, Feb. 14, and amended the bill to remove Section 4 related to civil actions between patients and hospitals, and passed the bill, as amended, favorably out of committee.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2335, which would add maternity center to the definition of health care provider for purposes of the Health Care Provider Insurance Availability Act. A similar bill (HB 2478), passed by the Committee during the 2024 session, died in the House on General Orders. Proponent testimony was provided by a representative of New Birth Company, who stated the bill will allow accredited birth centers to gain access to the private malpractice insurance market, which will allow them to meet KanCare malpractice insurance requirements and provide services to KanCare members. Written-only neutral testimony was provided by Clark Schultz, Director of the Health Care Stabilization Fund. No opponent testimony was provided.

House Committee on Federal and State Affairs
(Rep. Tom Kessler, Chair)

On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Committee worked HB 2104, which would create law related to firearm safety education programs conducted in public school districts and would allow local school boards of education to provide firearm safety education programs. The State Board of Education would be directed to establish curriculum guidelines for a standardized firearm safety education program, which the bill would require to include accident prevention. The bill was passed favorably out of committee.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2146, which would increase the transfers from the Lottery Operating Fund to the Community Crisis Stabilization Centers fund and the Clubhouse Model Program Fund of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Proponent testimony was provided by Drew Adkins, Commissioner for Behavioral Health Services at KDADS and representatives of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition (KMHC); Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Lotus House, Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas and the Kansas Clubhouse Coalition. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of Railway Clubhouse, Milestone Clubhouse, Westridge Mall and Petland. Committee members asked questions related to the number of mental health beds provided at the KMHC, the wait time for the Burt Nash Community Mental Health Center, the growth of revenue from lottery vending machines, what resources will be supported through an increase of funds allocated, the budget for crisis centers across the state of Kansas, whether crisis centers are operating in rural areas, the cost of treatment for an individual, the number of Clubhouse models in Kansas, the resources Reclamation Clubhouse is able to provide, extracurricular activities provided by Clubhouses, the locations in Kansas where people are treated, staffing shortages and accreditation information.

House Committee on Appropriations
(Rep. Troy Waymaster, Chair) 

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee continued to work HB 2007, which makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal year (FY) 2025 and appropriations for FYs 2026 and 2027 for various state agencies, and made additional adjustments to the budgets for KDADS, DCF and KDHE-Health. Substitute for HB 2007 was passed by the Committee. For more information, see pages 108‒114 of this overview.

Senate Government Efficiency Committee
(Sen. Renee Erickson, Chair)

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee held a hearing on SB 161, which would require legislative approval prior to any state agency seeking or implementing a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that would expand eligibility for any public assistance program or would increase cost to the state. The bill would not affect any state plan amendment or waiver program already being implemented prior to July 1, 2025. Proponent testimony was provided by representatives of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, InterHab and Opportunity Solutions Project, who said there would be value to having legislators oversee the state’s interactions with the federal government and ensuring that attempts to expand eligibility or increase cost in programs is supported by the legislature. Opponent testimony was provided by representatives of DCF, the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, KAC, KanCare Advocates Network, Disability Rights Center of Kansas, Harvesters the Kansas Food Bank and Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Opponents argued that the provisions of the bill could “bog down” the Medicaid program, would not improve government efficiency, would create bottlenecks for innovation and responsiveness and that legislators already have oversight of KanCare through the Bob Bethell Committee and the budget process. Committee members asked questions regarding examples of programs or changes in policy that might be restricted under the bill (KAC referred to mandated annual Medicaid changes related to coverage and rate increases), how rural districts would be impacted by the bill (DCF referred to potential delays in the receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, low-income energy assistance or senior food programs).

House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development
(Rep. Sean Tarwater, Chair)

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2310, which would amend the CARES Act to increase support and management of direct support workers and recruit more direct support workers. Direct support worker is defined as an individual with credentials as required by law that provides services to individuals with a disability, including services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to support such individuals to live independently. Under the bill, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), in partnership with KDADS, would develop career education programs for use in high schools and community colleges to inform students about direct support professional careers. The bill would require KDADS to create a set of procedures and guidelines to be followed by direct support providers intended to increase compatibility with waiver participants. The bill also would create a registry, with business contact information and a list of services, of direct support workers so that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities could be aware of and access direct support services. The bill also would require the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) to initiate or expand collection and tracking of labor statistics for direct support professionals and personal care attendants to include, at a minimum, the current open positions, future need for such workers and the number of qualified workers in the state by Oct. 1, 2025. KDOL would provide this information to KDADS at least annually. The bill also would require the creation of an online portal to support waitlist management for KDADS staff and provide waitlist information and waiver program information to individuals who are on the I/DD and physical disability waiver waitlists. The portal would be required to be implemented by Dec. 31, 2026.

Proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of the Disability Rights Center Kansas, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities and Honeybee Community Services and two private citizens. In general, the proponents discussed the importance of building the current and future disability workforce in the state, the need for there to be a real career path for direct support workers, with higher salaries, benefits and opportunities for advancement, and the need to minimize the turnover of workers. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by a private citizen. Neutral testimony was provided by a representative of InterHab, who stated they have concerns with some provisions of the bill, including the potential cost of the training, but had suggestions to address those concerns. Written-only neutral testimony was submitted by a representative of KDADS.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2339, which would establish the Intergenerational Child Care Program to provide financial assistance to adult care homes for the development and operation of child care programs. The program would be administered by the Secretary of KDHE. The bill also would create the Intergenerational Child Care Fund and would direct $1 million be transferred from the State General Fund to the Fund on July 1 in 2025 through 2027 and the program would have a sunset of July 1, 2028. Financial assistance would be provided through a grant process as outlined in the bill and grants would be awarded to assist newly licensed adult care homes in covering start-up costs associated with establishing child care services and to support programming and operational costs for existing adult care homes offering child care services. The bill also would set minimum education levels for instructors at nursing schools and expand the current Nursing Service Scholarship Program to include part-time students.

Proponent testimony was provided by Derik Flerlage, Bureau of Family Health at KDHE and a representative of LeadingAge Kansas, who stated that the concept of intergenerational care is a model of care that supports families across the life span, offers some economic benefits and opportunities for long-term care owners and operators and has the potential to build more child care slots across the state. Proponents also noted the value of social interactions between the children and the residents, the provisions of the bill that address the faculty shortage for nurses and the ability to retain staff by making child care available for their children. Written-only proponent testimony was submitted by representatives of the Kansas Chamber, Bluestem Communities, LeadingAge Kansas, Paramount Living, the Kansas Board of Regents and KHA. There was no neutral or opponent testimony.

House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
(Rep. Ken Rahjes, Chair)

On Monday, Feb. 10, the Committee held a hearing on HB 2172, which would establish the 29-member Water Program Task Force to evaluate the state’s water program and its funding. A report with recommendations on the water program’s long-term structure and funding would need to be submitted to the Legislature and Governor on or before Jan. 31, 2026. The bill would specify the number and appointment process for members of the Task Force. The Task Force would be required to evaluate risks to the State’s water supply, steps for ensuring a multi-generational water promise and funding sufficiency.