HB 2178 removes a restriction that previously barred Kansas residents with felony drug convictions from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill amends Kansas law (K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 39-709) to allow these individuals to qualify for SNAP if they otherwise meet income and resource requirements. This change directly affects Kansans with past felony drug convictions who were previously ineligible for food assistance despite meeting other SNAP criteria. The bill does not alter other SNAP eligibility rules but eliminates a specific barrier to accessing nutrition aid. It is currently pending in the Committee on Welfare Reform.
HB 2146 redirects 75% of monthly lottery profits to Kansas' community crisis stabilization centers and 25% to the clubhouse model program, both administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Annual transfer limits are set at $9 million for 2024, $10 million for 2025, and $16 million for 2026 onward. These funds come from the lottery operating fund, which collects revenue from ticket sales. The bill amends existing law to establish these specific transfer requirements without changing lottery operations or other fund allocations.
This bill redefines "psilocybin" in Kansas law to exclude pharmaceutical forms of crystalline polymorph psilocybin. It specifically adds this purified pharmaceutical form to Schedule IV of the controlled substances list, while keeping natural psilocybin (e.g., in mushrooms) subject to stricter controls. The change creates a legal pathway for pharmaceutical companies like Compass Pathways to develop and distribute psilocybin-based medications. This affects researchers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and medical providers seeking to legally use this specific drug formulation.
HB 2285 updates Kansas law to define lead-based paint as containing lead equal to or exceeding 0.009% by weight (instead of the previous 0.5%), aligning with or being stricter than federal standards. This change directly affects property owners and contractors in residential buildings constructed before 1978, requiring them to test and address paint meeting this threshold. The bill modifies the legal definition in the Residential Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act without adding new requirements or procedures. It takes effect upon publication in the statute book.
HB 2193, the "Every Mom Matters Act," establishes a state program administered by Kansas' Department of Health and Environment to provide support services to eligible pregnant women and parents considering adoption. The bill requires the state treasurer to contract with nonprofit organizations (excluding abortion providers) to offer medically accurate pregnancy information, assistance with healthcare coverage, adoption process guidance, parenting resources, and referrals to benefits programs. Eligible participants include Kansas residents who are biological parents of unborn children, adoptive parents of children under one year, or parents of minors where the biological parent is pregnant. Services are available for up to two years post-birth, six months after miscarriage/stillbirth, or 15 days after induced termination, with strict confidentiality requirements for participant data.
HB 2144 creates a legal framework allowing adults (18+) to formally request decision-making assistance from trusted supporters through written agreements. It directly affects adults who want help managing daily choices - like healthcare, finances, housing, or work - without needing a court-appointed guardian or conservator. The bill requires agreements to be in writing, signed by the adult and supporters in front of witnesses, and specify the type of assistance provided. It explicitly states these agreements cannot override existing guardianship or conservatorship arrangements. The law also amends mistreatment statutes to clarify that failing to honor such agreements could constitute mistreatment of an adult.
HB 2295 increases state funding for school meal programs in Kansas by raising reimbursements from $0.06 to $0.40 per reduced-price meal served starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects local school districts and students qualifying for reduced-price meals by requiring the state to cover the full cost, prohibiting school boards from charging these students for meals. The bill amends state law to replace the previous reimbursement rate and explicitly bans local fees for reduced-price meals under this program.
HB 2286 prevents dental benefit plans from restricting dentists to only credit card payments and requires that once a dentist selects an alternative payment method (like electronic transfers), it remains in effect for the entire contract term, including renewals. Dental benefit plans must clearly inform dentists about fees for specific payment methods and cannot charge for electronic payments without the dentist's consent. Any contract term attempting to override these requirements is invalid, ensuring dentists retain control over their payment preferences.
HB 2354 amends Kansas law to create an exception for disabled veterans who possess marijuana. It exempts Kansas residents who are disabled veterans and hold a valid medical marijuana card issued by any state from prosecution under the state's marijuana possession laws. The bill adds this specific group to the list of legal defenses for possession under K.S.A. 21-5706, meaning they cannot be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for possessing marijuana. This applies only to veterans with a disability incurred during military service, as defined by the bill, and requires a valid medical card from any state, not just Kansas.
HB 2339 creates two key programs to support adult care homes in Kansas. First, it establishes scholarships for part-time nursing students and sets minimum education requirements for nursing school instructors to strengthen the workforce. Second, it creates the intergenerational child care program, authorizing grants of up to $20,000 per year to adult care homes that offer child care services, to cover start-up or operational costs. The grants, administered by the Secretary of Health and Environment through a new fund, require proposals demonstrating community collaboration and must align with the program’s goal of enhancing care environments while addressing child care needs. The bill directly affects adult care homes and nursing education providers.
