The Kansas Legislature reached turnaround Friday, February 23rd, the halfway point in the session. Senator Caryn Tyson says several bills were debated Friday. Senate Bill 417 excludes the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks from using eminent domain to acquire land, water, or water rights. It passed. Several coal fired energy plants have announced closures, however, none have closed. Senate Bill 455 passed and it makes it difficult to close such a plant without another energy generating plant in place before the coal plant shuts down.
Senate Bill 391, the Right to Health Freedom Act limits isolation and allows patients to see their loved ones. It would permit the Secretary of Health and Environment to maintain a list of infectious or contagious diseases. However, they would not have the authority to enact rules and regulations. Local health officers could recommend quarantines during a highly contagious or deadly disease outbreak.
One bill that did pass, but Tyson voted against, was Senate Sub for House Bill 22-47. Which allows creditor of mortgages, after 10 days and written notice, to collect a late payment to take possession. They can’t enter the dwelling or use force, but Tyson questions if they can gain access to your bank account.
