How Freedom-Minded is the Kansas Legislature?

The front lines of the battle for health freedom are often inside the legislature. The laws of our state determine our freedoms, and under the American Constitutional system, it is both our right and responsibility as citizens to participate in the lawmaking process. How can Kansas become a freer state? How can we protect the health of our children via the legislative process? The 2023 legislative session has revealed just how freedom-minded Kansas lawmakers are.

Health Freedom Bills in 2023

Several health freedom bills were introduced this year. These bills would place the authority to make healthcare decisions back into the hands of the people. HB2126 and its sister bill SB173 would have authorized the over-the-counter sale and use of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin tablets, giving citizens the ability to treat Covid-19 the way they see fit. SB6 (sister bill HB2007) would have restricted the authority of the Secretary of Health and Environment, thereby preventing future quarantine requirements. SB314 prevented the requirement of Covid-19 vaccinations for children, and SB315 aimed at expanding religious exemptions for vaccines. All of this legislation was a very encouraging response to the Covid-19 debacles of the past few years.

Health Freedom Advocates

A few staunch health freedom advocates spearheaded the introduction of these bills. Senators Mark Steffen and Mike Thompson were some of the main authors of the Senate versions of these bills while several Representatives sponsored their sister bills in the House. The House bills did not move forward, due to the inaction of the House Health and Human Services Committee. Nevertheless, many of the Senate bills made lots of progress, with a few making it all the way through conference! Though their journey was not without opposition, it was very promising to see several of the Senators on the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee defend these bills and aid them in their advance. Senators Beverly Gossage, Molly Baumgardner, and Renee Erickson were vital in their forward progress.

What Can We Do?

Though it appears that no health freedom bills will be signed into law in 2023, the momentum of this year’s legislative session in Kansas can leave us hopeful for the future. It is evident that many of the legislators need more education. Kansans for Health Freedom, a 501c4 organization, has been active in lobbying efforts in the Kansas legislature for several years. CHD Kansas plans to collaborate with KSHF to help with educating the Kansas legislature in preparation for next year’s session. You can exercise your right to determine the laws of Kansas and support these efforts now by giving a donation. Let’s make Kansas the hub of health freedom!