(Feb. 6, 2024) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen.Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), held a hearing on Senate Bill 371. The legislation expands the Kansas Silver Alert Plan to provide public notice of missing persons 18 years of age or older who have an intellectual disability.
Conferees expressing support in writing or before the committee included:
- Nick Wood, Interhab
- Callie Simmons, Kansas City Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Delancy Allred, Autism Society
- Marvin Miller, special educator/parent
Other conferees providing written comments included Ed Klumpp with Law Enforcement communities submitting neutral testimony.
Opposition testimony was received from Bob Stuart from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The committee meets tomorrow to hold a hearing on Senate Bill 352. The legislation enacts the John D. Springer Patient's Bill of Rights to require hospitals to allow in-person visitation, adopt visitation policies and procedures and create a civil cause of action for violation of such rights.