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Minutes for SB273 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Enacting the governmental response to certain emergencies by amending the Kansas emergency management act, providing procedures for declaration and extension of state of disaster emergencies, limiting powers granted to the governor during a state of disaster emergency, defining public health disasters and establishing special provisions therefor, creating the joint committee on emergency management and prescribing powers, duties and functions of the secretary of health and environment, city and county government and the board of education of each school district to control the spread of disease and establishing judicial review thereof.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 24, 2021
The Chairperson called for the hearing of SB273.
Jason Thompson gave a description of SB273 stating that he would be working from an outline of the bill brief. He explained how the new bill expands on SB14 and how it adds definitions to the present Kansas Emergency Management Act. The new bill also outlines how the Governor can issue executive orders during a crisis, as well as the duties and authority of the governor, state officials, city and county officials, school boards and other governing bodies. The bill addresses penalties for violations of this law. (Attachment 1)
There was discussion.
Adam Proffitt submitted the fiscal note for SB273. (Attachment 2)
Neutral testimony, Oral
Jay Hall gave neutral testimony on SB273 explaining that this act addresses concerns besides COVID-19. A local health officer would need authority to deal with something like a measles outbreak. What might work with a COVID-19 outbreak would limit response to a more localized condition. He would like a county health officer to have the authority to close a school or a classroom in a school to prevent spread of an outbreak (like measles). He would like the health officers to have tools in their toolbox to address these situations. (Attachment 3)
Chairperson Warren announced that the hearing would continue tomorrow. Senator Baumgardner asked if there would be final action on the bill tomorrow. The Chairperson said yes. Senators wishing to introduce amendments should talk to Jason Thompson of the Revisor's Office to determine who could help write amendments.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:23 PM.
