HB 2674, the PFAS Protection Act, prohibits the sale in Kansas of certain consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including carpets, cookware, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, firefighting foam, and children's items. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these products within Kansas by banning PFAS in their formulations and requiring them to disclose PFAS content and conduct product testing. Key mechanisms include a statewide prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in covered products, mandatory disclosure of PFAS information to the Department of Health and Environment, and testing requirements for products sold in the state. The bill excludes medical devices, federally regulated products, and used items, focusing on everyday consumer goods where PFAS are deliberately added for function.
SB 508 increases the annual funding limit for transfers from Kansas' lottery operating fund to two specific disability services programs. It raises the cap from $8 million to $16 million per year (starting in fiscal year 2027) for the community crisis stabilization centers fund and the clubhouse model program fund under the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. For fiscal year 2026, the bill mandates specific monthly transfers of $625,000 and $208,333 to these funds, respectively. This directly affects crisis support services and community-based programs for individuals with disabilities in Kansas. The bill amends existing lottery fund transfer rules to prioritize these disability services with increased annual funding.
HB 2740 requires Kansas pharmacies to follow specific safety standards for compounding medications (making custom prescriptions) set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), covering nonsterile, sterile, and radiopharmaceutical preparations. It directly affects pharmacists and pharmacies in Kansas by mandating compliance with these USP standards starting July 1, 2027. The bill allows the Kansas Board of Pharmacy to create rules for implementation and grant exemptions or waivers from these standards when appropriate. This replaces the previous state standards with nationally recognized USP guidelines to ensure consistent safety practices in medication compounding.
HB 2763 creates a compact allowing athletic trainers licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects licensed athletic trainers seeking to work across state lines, active military members and their spouses relocating for duty, and patients gaining broader access to these professionals. The bill establishes uniform licensing standards and a commission to manage mutual recognition, eliminating the need for multiple state licenses while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. It requires trainers to maintain current licensure and meet continuing education standards to exercise interstate practice privileges.
HB 2677 requires all Kansas health insurance plans (excluding small employer plans and limited-benefit policies) to cover hearing aids and related services for insured children under 18 with diagnosed hearing impairments, effective January 1, 2027. The coverage includes devices, evaluations, programming, repairs, ear molds, and auditory training, with a $5,000 maximum per child over 48 months. Insurers cannot deny coverage or terminate plans based on a child's hearing impairment. This applies to all plans issued, renewed, or modified in Kansas, excluding small employer group plans and certain specialized policies.
HB 2735, the "Patient's Right to Save Act," requires health insurers in Kansas to offer voluntary shared savings programs where enrollees can earn financial incentives (minimum 25% of savings) for choosing specific lower-cost, non-emergency healthcare services like lab tests, surgery, or telehealth. These programs must be listed on an insurer’s public webpage, with incentives applied as premium reductions or deposits to health savings accounts - not as taxable income. Insurers must report program participation, savings, and service details annually to the Kansas Department of Insurance. The law directly affects health insurers (requiring program implementation and reporting) and enrollees (who may benefit from reduced costs for covered services).
SB 441 authorizes private providers to deliver medically necessary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy during school hours for students with autism spectrum disorder, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. School districts must permit these services when parents provide documentation from a healthcare provider and a treatment plan, and private providers must pass background checks. The bill requires school districts to adopt policies for this service and allows third-party insurance to cover costs, without replacing existing school-based behavioral support under IEPs.
HB 2761 establishes a licensing system for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) in Kansas, requiring them to meet specific education and training standards to practice. To become licensed, applicants must complete a bachelor's degree (or equivalent coursework) in communication sciences, 100 hours of supervised clinical experience, and meet national certification requirements. The law mandates that SLPAs work under direct or indirect supervision by a licensed speech-language pathologist and complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. This bill directly affects current and future SLPAs by setting clear qualifications, supervision rules, and renewal requirements for their practice.
HB 2718 gives adult care home residents the right to choose their own pharmacy without facing fees or financial penalties from the facility. The bill prohibits adult care homes from charging residents for using an outside pharmacy or offering financial incentives to use the facility's preferred pharmacy. It also specifies that facilities cannot charge for repackaging medications if that cost is already reported on their financial statements. This directly affects residents of Kansas adult care homes and requires facilities to adjust billing practices.
HB 2455 is a funding bill that adjusts budget allocations for specific Kansas state agencies across fiscal years 2026-2029. It primarily increases expenditure limits for agencies like the State Board of Healing Arts ($8.2 million for 2027), Kansas State Board of Cosmetology ($1.3 million for 2027), and others, while slightly decreasing funding for the State Board of Pharmacy ($3.2 million for 2027). The bill also lapses unused funds for the Legislative Coordinating Council’s operations accounts. It directly affects state boards and agencies managing professional licensing fees, not the general public. The bill authorizes these budget adjustments through specific appropriations and fee fund modifications.
