Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Works Laycaregiver Bill and Hears Bill
(Feb. 5, 2025) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held final action on Senate Bill 3, the legislation that gives the Kansas Department of Health and Environment audit authority on hospital compliance. The committee saw no motion to take action on Senate Bill 3, so the bill will not proceed.
The committee also held a hearing on Senate Bill 19. This bill prohibits discrimination against individuals who refuse medical care, creates a civil cause of action based on such discrimination and revokes the authority of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
The committee heard from proponent conferees:
- Lindsay Burning, Citizen
- Kathy Brown, Citizen
- Melissa Campbell, Citizen
- Garry Morgan, Citizen
- Connie Newcome, Citizen
- Ashley Prescott, Citizen
- Jacob Satler, Citizen
The committee heard from opponent conferees, including:
- Randy Bowman, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments
- Heather Braum, Kansas Action for Children
- Jason Gum, Citizen
- Kimberly Martin, Kansas School Nurses Association
- Rebecca Reddy, Pediatrician
- Reverand Annie Ricker, United Methodist Pastor
- William Wilk, Kansas Chamber of Commerce