KMHC Monthly Meeting

March 27, 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 after the membership meeting today.

   Financial Report – Amy Campbell 

   Advocacy Committee – Colin Thomasset / Monica Kurz - March 13 2024 - Mental Health Advocacy Day.  Review the day - what went well, recommendations?

   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

       June Recovery Conference Workshop Proposal  Scholarship App  Exhibitor Registration

   Parity Committee -  Amy Campbell / Rick Cagan 

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

   South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital Advisory Panel - Mary Jones

10:15 a.m.   KDADS Update

11:00 a.m.  Lobbyist Report    Amy Campbell   

• Legislative Update

• Housing Presentation presented by Andy Brown to House Welfare Reform Committee

• Budget items – see mega-budget conference committee list   pages 13-16

• • HB 2484 - Social Work licensure compact - link to bill information  House passed 118-2. Senate passed 35-5 March 26. 
  • 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. March 26 Senate passed over. 
  • 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. Senate G.O. scheduled March 27.
  • HB 2284 - Tax Package combined and passed - vetoed - Summary CCRB  House failed to override Feb 20.  New tax packages have been formed in House and Senate.  They are different.  Expecting some tax discussions before budget is adopted.
  • HB 2353 - Assertive Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient Treatment Orders - amend provisions in the Care and Treatment Act for Mentally Ill Persons (Act) to extend the time period a person may be held for treatment and to add conditions for which continued treatment may be ordered. House passed as amended 119-0.  Senate passed 40-0 March 26.  See supplemental note.
  • HB 2353 - Assertive Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient Treatment Orders - amend provisions in the Care and Treatment Act for Mentally Ill Persons (Act) to extend the time period a person may be held for treatment and to add conditions for which continued treatment may be ordered. House passed as amended 119-0.  Senate passed 40-0 March 26.  See supplemental note.
  • HB 2556 – Medicaid Expansion – House and Senate held public hearings March 20.  More than 400 proponent testimony submitted to each.  House Health and Human Services motion to send to the House without recommendation failed with 5 yes votes.  May be a motion to pull out of committee in the chamber.
  • 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.  Senate held hearing March 19.
  • HB 2676 -  Creating the crime of encouraging suicide and providing criminal penalties therefor.  See testimony.  House passed 119-1. 
  • HB 2723 now SB 542- 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 hearing - See KMHC testimony - $40 million funds from Governors Budget Recommendations were removed.  House Committee tabled bill after adding two amendments – 1: requiring supreme court decision for funds to expended, 2: requiring cities and counties to pass public camping enforcement ordinances and prohibiting drop-offs. 
  • 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   Committee amended to impact only services in schools and exempting behavioral health crisis.  House advanced to final action.
  • 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.
  • SB 542 – Housing Matching Grants (see HB 2723) – Senate Ways and Means amended to require all cities and counties to pass ordinances prohibiting public camping and blocking pathways, blocking a Wichita precinct location for emergency shelter beds, prohibiting drop-offs.  Changed funds to $15 million first year and $5 million second year.  Amended to require some funds to be granted to smaller counties. Committee passed.
  
  

11:20 a.m.  Announcements - please use this time to share your upcoming events

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