Thoughts From Under the Dome
Turnaround has happened in the Kansas Legislature so now a large part of our time is being spent by the two houses hearing and voting on the other houses bills. Because of that I am happy to report that the Senate has heard and approved Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) unanimously 40-0. It will now come back to the House for concurrence on a technical amendment before it goes to Governor Kelly’s desk for her approval. Again, for those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.
HB 2368 is a bill that I mentioned before that would allow for the licensure of Anesthesiology Assistants (AA) in Kansas. I have repeatedly opposed this bill because Kansas is already served by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who possess a higher degree of training than their AA counterparts. The bill was voted down once this year but it was revived to be shot down with a motion to return it to committee. The motion pretty much kills the bill because the last day for committees to meet has passed.
Another nursing related bill that we just voted on was SB 334 which lowers the minimum education level required to be an instructor in Kansas nursing schools. I have heard from people in the nursing profession who don’t like this bill because it doesn’t make for better trained nurses and that it could potentially jeopardize accreditation of their institutions. I was a no vote on that but it did pass by 81-43.
On to other news I am planning to hold some town hall meetings this spring with the first one being in Mulberry on April 13th at 6:30. More details will be coming but I hope to see you there or at another event. Until next time, Ad Astra Per Aspera.