Signs six additional bills into law
In order to address the steady rise in youth suicide, Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2290 which creates the position of Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator in the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. This was a recommendation of the Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force that convened last year.
“In recent years, Kansas has seen a steady uptick in suicide among young people,” Kelly said. “I’m pleased the Legislature took this step to reduce youth suicide. We must do more to raise awareness and support our young people with their mental health needs.”
House Bill 2290 also implements other recommendations of the task force by requiring the coordinator to lead development and implementation of a website to promote youth well-being and prevent suicide, coordinate multidisciplinary strategies to address youth suicide, facilitate events to provide training to prevent youth suicide, and share information on suicide prevention.
“Many Kansas communities have been devastated by the loss of young people due to suicide,” Kelly said. “Kansas must take steps to build a comprehensive plan to address the mental health needs in our communities.”
The governor will host a ceremonial bill signing with Attorney General Derek Schmidt at a future date. She also signed five additional bills into law today. This brings the total number of bills signed into law to 65, with two being vetoed, and one becoming law without her signature.
The governor signed House Bills 2290, 2248, 2140, and 2203, and Senate Bills 53 and 63.
House Bill 2290
Also creates the Kansas criminal justice reform commission, the Kansas closed case task force, creates a victim information and notification everyday (VINE) coordinator, and other positions within the Kansas Office of Attorney General. It also makes changes to the tort claims fund regarding defense of open records or meeting violations.
House Bill 2248
Amends definitions in the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and amends the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Act (Act). Specifically, it would amend the definition of “supplier” in the KCPA, by removing an exclusion for any bank, trust company, or lending institution which is subject to state or federal regulation with regard to disposition of repossessed collateral by such entity. The bill also would amend the definition of “consumer transaction” in the KCPA, to exclude the disposition of repossessed collateral by any supplier that is subject to and compliant with any state or federal law or rules and regulations with regard to disposition of such repossessed collateral. The bill would create a new section in the Act setting an expiration date of July 1, 2023, for all provisions of the Act.
House Bill 2140
Makes multiple changes in local sales tax authorization statutes, specifically retailers’ sales tax and elections in Dickinson, Jackson, Russell, Thomas, and Wabaunsee Counties and rates and an election in Finney county. It would create a sales tax exemption for certain coins and bullion.
House Bill 2203
Reconciles amendments to statutes that were amended more than once during the current and prior legislative sessions. For such statutes, the bill would repeal one version and, if necessary, amend the continuing version with non-contradictory amendments, creating a single version of the statute containing all amendments.
Senate Bill 53
Creates and amends law related to emergency medical services and licensure by the Emergency Medical Services Board.
Senate Bill 63
Amends the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways regarding use of certain lights by transportation network company drivers, driver responsibilities when on-track equipment is nearby, sun screening material on vehicle windows, operation of all-terrain vehicles and work-site utility vehicles, and regulation of electric-assisted scooters.