KMHC Monthly Meeting

February 28, 2024

9:30 a.m.  Welcome and Introductions     Mary Jones, President

Minutes of the previous meeting.  Read minutes draft

9:35 a.m. Reports 

   Board of Directors - meet in March.

   Financial Report – Amy Campbell 

   Advocacy Committee – Colin Thomasset / Monica Kurz - March 13 2024 - Mental Health Advocacy Day.  Committee is meeting on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. volunteers welcome!  RSVP now for sponsorships, exhibitor tables and attending!

   Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council – Council report and reports from members serving on the Council or subcommittees.  See Annual Subcommittee Reports posted here:  https://kdads.ks.gov/kdads-commissions/behavioral-health/gbhspc/gbhspc-subcommittees 

   Big Tent Coalition - Mike Burgess

   KanCare Advocates Network - Sean Gatewood 

   Consumer Programs - CAC, CRO, P3, Clubhouse, Other

   Parity Committee -  Amy Campbell / Rick Cagan 

   Suicide Prevention Coalition / 988 Crisis Line - Brenna Vicoscky/Monica Kurz

South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital Advisory Panel - Update - Mary Jones

10:00 a.m.   Guest Update:  Legislation to create penalties for bullying that leads to suicide 

House Judiciary Committee has held hearings on House Bill 2488 and House Bill 2676   Amended bill passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2676.  Read supplemental note / summary of legislation here.   KMHC Testimony

10:30 a.m.   KDADS Update

11:00 a.m.  Lobbyist Report    Amy Campbell 

• Legislative Update

• Agency Budget Enhancements Presentations:   KDHE   DCF   KDADS
• Budget Testimony and Recommendations  State Hospitals   KDADS Budget
• HB 2345 Supported Decision Making - KMHC Testimony 
• HB 2484 - Social Work licensure compact - link to bill information  House passed 118-2.
• HB 2487 - Providing immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes when persons seek or provide medical assistance related to the use of a controlled substance - link to bill information  House passed 120-0.
• HB 2536 - Establishing the SOUL family legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older - allow young people ages 16 and older in foster care to identify caregivers in their community who have played a significant role in their lives. With agency and court approval, they would form a legally recognized SOUL Family.  Link to bill information.  House passed 112-8.
• HB 2284 - Tax Package combined and passed - vetoed - Summary CCRB  House failed to override Feb 20.
• HB 2353 - Assertive Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient Treatment Orders
• HB 2669 - Kansas department for aging and disability services; codifying the mental health intervention team program in state statute; requiring the department to oversee implementation of the program; establishing structures for partnership between mental health intervention team providers and school districts; providing for coordination of mental health services to students. Link to bill information.  Letter of support. House passed 101-18.
• HB 2723 - Making appropriations for the department for aging and disability services for FY 2025 and creating a program for cities to improve and develop infrastructure for homeless shelters.  House Welfare Reform Committee expected to hold a hearing - $40 million funds from Governors Budget Recommendations were removed.
• HB 2793 - Removing most legal exceptions to parental consent for healthcare, creating penalties against the healthcare providers license.  House Health and Human Services held and hearing and plans to work this bill to advance to the full House.  KMHC Testimony Opposing HB 2793  Randy Callstrom Testimony   
• SB 391 - Constitutional Right to Health Freedom Act - remove state quarantine laws and restrict authority of state health officials role and interactions with local health officials to address infectious diseases. Local health officials required to ask local board of health or commissioners for permission to issue quarantine or isolation orders.  Link to bill information.  Senate passed 23-17.
• Medicaid Expansion Legislation will have a hearing in House Health and Human Services in March.

11:15 a.m.  Unfinished Business - Additional input regarding Policy Priorities from members 

Additional resources submitted by Nick Reinecker for member consideration:  

Journal of Addiction Medicine roads not less safe.pdf

Reinecker doggett_2023_oi_231037_1695236236.4432.pdf

HB 2673 - prohibiting SNAP benefits used for soda or candy Reinecker Testimony   Bill passed by House Welfare Reform Committee.  Bill stricken due to turnaround deadline.

HB 2596 - Controlled Substances Act update - Reinecker Testimony   Motion to amend to remove cannabis by Rep. Silas Miller rejected by House.  House passed 120-0.

11:25 a.m.  Announcements 

11:30 a.m.  Adjourn

2024 Schedule - Jan 24, Feb 28, Mar 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, Nov 27, Dec 18

Board Meetings: 11:45 a.m. quarterly the 4th Wednesdays (March 27, June 26, Sept. 25, Dec. 18)

For more information, contact: Kansas Mental Health Coalition

c/o Amy A. Campbell, Lobbyist, P.O. Box 4103, Topeka, KS 66604

785-969-1617    campbell525@sbcglobal.net