Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Hears Bill Limiting Local and State Powers
(Feb. 16, 2024) - Yesterday, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), met to hold a hearing on Senate Bill 391 - Enacting the constitutional right to health freedom act to regulate the activities of the secretary of health and environment related to public health functions; repealing statutes relating to the secretary’s authority to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
The committee heard from the following proponents:
- Senator Mark Steffan (R-Hutchinson)
- William Mize, Kansans for Health Freedom
- Debbie Mize, Kansans for Health Freedom
- Michelle Eagleman, Individual
- Dr. Gayln Perry
- Debbie Detmer, Individual
- Connie Newcome, Individual
- Melissa Campbell, Individual
- Julie Pennington, Individual
Opponent testimony was provided by the following:
- Ashley Goss, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
- Heather Braum, Kansas Action for Children
- William Wilk, Sr, Kansas Chamber of Commerce
- Randy Bowman, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments
- Tara Mays, Kansas Hospital Association