| They say time flies when you’re having fun. I’m not sure if everyone would consider the legislative session “fun” but time is sure flying. It’s hard to believe there is only one more full week of the 2025 Legislative Session. This week concluded the last regular week of work before conference committees meet next week prior to the First Adjournment. Next week is already shaping up to be a very busy week but let’s get caught up on what happened this week first! Big news The Adoption Conscience Act (HB 2311) passed out of the Senate Committee and went to the floor. Last night the Senate passed the bill 31-9! This is a huge victory for families who are seeking to adopt or foster because it ensures they cannot be excluded because of their religious beliefs around sexuality and marriage. This bill will have to go to the House for one more procedural vote and then it will head to the Governor. We are so thankful for Representatives Cyndi Howerton, Susan Humphries, Tim Johnson, and Sen. Beverly Gossage who made sure this bill got across the finish line. So many adoptive and foster families bravely told their stories and for that we could not be more grateful! Advancing a Culture of Life Several bills are moving that advance a culture of life in our state. The Postnatal/Prenatal Disability Diagnosis bill (HB 2307) is on its way to the Governor. This bill will ensure that families who receive either a prenatal or postnatal disability diagnosis receive the resources they need. The policy has been on the books for many years but has not been implemented by the current administration. This bill will ensure that it gets implemented by an organization who believes in it. It passed unanimously in both chambers!!! A bill that got momentum late in the session is the Human Development Ultrasound Bill (HB 2382). It ensures schools will include scientifically accurate videos on fetal development in their science curriculum. It seems like common sense that students would learn basics about life inside the womb. It passed the Senate 29-11 and now heads to the House for final approval. The Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Act is a program that has been providing resources to Pregnancy Resource Centers for the last two years to help them reach women with information and support. This program was once again included in the budget and the funding allocated was expanded. Of course Senate Democrats tried to cut this funding but thankfully a supermajority of the Senate rejected it. We are still waiting to see what the House will do with the Child Support for Pregnant Moms Bill (that now also includes an unborn child tax deduction) and the Given Name Act. These are two vitally important bills and we are hopeful conference committees will take action on them next week! We are so thankful for all of you for taking action this year and walking with us through this process. We look forward to a positive end to this legislative session! For Kansas families, |