The hearing on HB2533 was opened.

Dahnika Short, Revisor of Statute, provided an overview of HB2533 (Attachment 2).

Ms. Short responded to questions from the committee.

Michelle Richart, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Military Community and Family Policy Defense - State Liaison Office. Midwest Regional Liaison, provided testimony in support on HB2533 (Attachment 3). Licensure Issues for both our transitioning military members and their spouses have been a priority for the Department for several years. To address licensure portability for military spouses, states have turned to occupational licensure interstate compacts that streamline licensing between member states of a compact. Professional licensure has been an enduring problem for military spouses. Compacts can provide seamless reciprocity for military spouses in an occupation. Frequent moves and cumbersome licensing and certification requirements limit career options.

Lt. Col. Keith Marshall, Adjutant General's Office, provided testimony in support of HB2533 (Attachment 4). Military Spouses face significant employment challenges, with an unemployment rate consistently around 21%. This rate is notably higher that the national average. Compacts play a vital role in supporting military families by easing the transition for spouses and professionals who require state-specific licenses to work. These agreements streamline the process of transferring professional licenses across state lines.

Will Wilk on behalf of the Kansas Chamber, provided testimony in support of HB2533 (Attachment 5). The Kansas Chamber views this compact as a necessary step to increase access to professionals especially during a work force shortage.

Mr. Wilk responded to questions from the committee.

Wendy Doyle, President and CEO, United We, provided testimony in support of HB2533 (Attachment 6). The mission of United WE is to advance all women's economic and civic leadership. Data shows that work is needed to foster more economic growth for the women of Kansas.

Travis Grauerholz on behalf of the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association, provided testimony in support of HB2533 (Attachment 7). The bill would allow Kansas to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact providing a streamlined pathway for licenses occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice across participating states through a compact privilege. The bill maintains strong public protection provisions. 

Written only testimony provided by:

Dr. Alice Plemmons, Director, Knee Regulatory Research Center, West Virginia University (Attachment 8)

Katrina Abraham, Government Affairs-Kansas, The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 9)

Nicole Milo, Regional Director government & Community Affairs, Mountain Region CommonSpirit Health (Attachment 10)

Tara Mays, Vice President, State legislative Relations, Kansas Hospital Association (Attachment 11)

The hearing on HB2533 was closed.

Without objection the committee will work HB2533.

Representative Blex motioned and Representative Ellis seconded to pass out HB2533 favorably.

There was discussion.

Representative Wikle motioned and Representative Droge seconded to amend HB2533 favorably as presented (Attachment 12). Motioned carried.

Representative Blex motioned and Representative Ruiz seconded to pass out HB2533 favorably as amended. Motion carried.