(Jan. 23, 2023) – Today, the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Representative Fred Patton (R-Topeka), held a hearing on House Bill 2023. The bill creates the crime of interference with the conduct of a hospital, provides criminal penalties for violation thereof and increases the criminal penalties for the battery of a health care provider who is employed by a hospital. Proponents testifying in support included:

• Tara Mays, vice president state legislative relations, Kansas Hospital Association
• Val Gleason, president and chief executive office, NMC Health
• Elijah Thompson, director of physical security, St. Luke's Health System
• Celina Huffman, director of nursing, Advent Health Shawnee Mission
• Chris Buesing, director for Workers' Compensation and workforce safety, Stormont Vail Health 
• Tammy Northrop, director of emergency services, Ascension Via Christi
• Dr. John McMaster, MD, Wichita Emergency Room Physician
• Ed Klumpp, legislative liaison, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriffs Association and Kansas Peace Officers Association

The committee also had written testimony in support from the following conferees:

• Rachelle Colombo, executive director, Kansas Medical Society
• Stephanie Meyer, chief nursing officer, Children's Mercy Kansas City
• Morgan Gerhardt, director of emergency department, Stormont Vail Health
• Abbey Cotter, director of behavioral health, Ascension Via Christi

Tuck Duncan, Kansas Public Transit Association, also requested an amendment to include public transit drivers to the legislation.

One neutral conferee appeared virtually before the committee, Terry Rosell, who cautioned the bill is reactive and not proven.