Bill > SB29

This bill modifies Kansas state law regarding public health emergency powers, specifically reducing the authority of county or joint boards of health and local health officers during infectious disease outbreaks. The bill removes the previous ability of local health officials to prohibit public gatherings during disease outbreaks, changing their role from enforcing restrictions to merely recommending against gatherings. Additionally, the bill adds new provisions that allow individuals who are subject to isolation or quarantine orders to file civil actions in district court within 30 days of an order being issued. The court must conduct a hearing within 72 hours and can grant relief unless it finds that the order is narrowly tailored and uses the least restrictive means to achieve its purpose. The bill also clarifies and slightly modifies language related to the secretary of health and environment's powers during disease investigations, including provisions for evaluating, treating, isolating, or quarantining individuals who may have been exposed to potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. These changes appear to be part of a broader effort to limit government intervention during public health emergencies and provide more legal recourse for individuals affected by such orders.

Health and Social Services

Public Health and Welfare (S)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb29/