(Jan. 30, 2025) – Today, the House Appropriations Committee heard the budget report outs, including requests from the Kansas University Medical Center. As Chairman Steven Howe (R-Salina) described committee action on the budget, he highlighted that language was added by a member highlighting a recent understanding that hospitals won't allow access to MyChart for children over 14 and adding language that would direct that no funds be appropriated if those policies are in place. The committee chair Representative Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill) highlighted the governing structure differences between The University of Kansas Health System and the Kansas University Medical Center. Committee members asked about the new Cancer Center allocations that will be carried over into future fiscal years. Representative Bill Sutton (R-Gardner) requested a breakdown of the bonding authority requests. Representative Lisa Moser (R-Wheaton) expressed support for the use of MyChart. The committee recommended the budget as was passed by the higher education committee.

The committee also heard report outs on budgets for the Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Insurance Department, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, University of Kansas, Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Kansas Fire Marshal.

The committee will meet again on Friday.