Thoughts From Under the Dome
Ken Collins
Kansas State Representative-Second District
Thie week started out somber in the Kansas Statehouse with the unexpected death of a friend and colleague, Representative John Resman of Olathe. I sat next to John on the House floor during my freshman term an got to know him well. He didn’t speak up much but when he did I knew that what he had to say was worth listening to. Condolences to his family
Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) has been passed favorably by the Senate Judiciary Committee so it will soon be voted on by the whole Senate. They did make one technical amendment changing the effective date after the Governor’s approval but I believe that was done so it would go to a conference committee to be bundled with other related legislation. 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. For those who might not be familiar with the bill 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.
In my last update I mentioned HB 2368 which allows for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants in Kansas, As I mentioned before the bill was voted down but it has been brought up again and could possibly be voted on again this year. I voted against it the last time and I intend to vote that way again because I believe that it is a model that doesn’t work well for healthcare in Kansas.
HB 360 deals with PBM reform. PBMs or Pharmacy Benefit Managers are the middlemen between drug manufacturers and retail pharmacies. Currently many of the big drug chains and the PBMs are owned by the same companies which creates an unfair advantage to locally owned pharmacies like Richey’s in Erie, Mathis in Girard or Cardinal in Chanute. The bill is awaiting a committee hearing in the House where I will be voting in favor.
That is it for now. I’m hoping the best for everyone as we approach Spring even though it has been a mild Winter. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you might have. Ad Astra Per Aspera.