(Feb. 25, 2026) – Today, the Senate Education Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 441, which enacts the Applied Behavior Analysis Services in Schools Act, authorizing the provision of medically necessary behavioral health services by private providers in schools and requiring school districts to adopt policies for the provision of such services. The committee heard from the following conferees:
Proponents:
- Senator Kenny Titus (R-Manhattan) explained the history of the bill, coming from a situation that occurred in the Manhattan School District.
- Holly Kramer, Heartland ABA
- Trista Ferguson, applied behavioral sciences professional and teacher and parent of a child with autism
- Julie Moore, parent, teacher and foster parent
- Caitlyn Christianerdonkers, parent of medical complex child
- Dr. Christine Durrett, Flint Hills
- Nancy Evangelitis, parent
- Amanda Gray, parent
- Liz Hueben, Disability Rights Center of Kansas
- Kim Wuar, parent with adult child
- Anna Niepert, AdAstra MHK
- Kevin Steinmetz, parent
- Daniel Numan, president of Autism Resource Center
Neutral:
- Dr. Frank Harwitt, Kansas State Department of Education
- Erica Sheets, parent
Opponents:
- Jim Karlskint, United School Administrators, suggested there are gaps in clarity, funding and safeguards.
- Mary Sinclair, PTA Advocacy Team, observed these services are bringing more adults into classrooms and suggested fully funding special education.
- Angela Stallbaumer, Kansas Association of School Boards, highlighted schools' focus should be on education rather than medical needs.
The committee will meet again throughout the week.