(March 7, 2023) -Yesterday, the House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development met, chaired by Representative Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell). The committee took up House Bill 2388, requiring that licensing bodies provide verified electronic credentials to credential holders, including military service members and others receiving Kansas credentials based on their credentials. The bill, which was previously recommended favorably for passage was further amended by Representative Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado). The amendment indicates that no later than January 1, 2025 licensing bodies shall provide paper-based and verified electronic credentials and provides that the Secretary of Administration shall develop and implement a central electronic record system for licensing bodies. The committee recommended the bill, as further amended, favorably for passage.

The committee also worked House Bill 2400, which would enact the Kansas adult learner grant act to facilitate workforce development by providing grants and workforce retention incentive payments to adults who pursue baccalaureate degrees. The committee recommended favorable for passage.

Those bills will now go to the full floor.