Chairperson Gossage opened the hearing on HB2533.

Jenna Moyer, Assistant Revisor, Kansas Office Revisor of Statutes, briefed the committee on the bill. (Attachment1) Ms. Moyer stood for questions from the committee.

Chairperson Gossage introduced Travis Grauerholz who spoke as a proponent for the bill. (Attachment2) Mr. Grauerholz stated the bill would allow Kansas to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, which provides a streamlined pathway for licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice across participating states through a compact privilege. 

Chairperson Gossage introduced Lieutenant Colonel Keith Marshall Kansas Adjutant General's Office who testified in support of the bill. (Attachment3) Lieutenant Colonel Marshall stated the bill will help military spouses maintain professional and financial stability.

Chairperson Gossage introduced William Wilk who spoke as a proponent for the bill. (Attachment4). Mr. Wilk stated the Kansas Chamber of Commerce views this compact as a necessary step to increase access to occupational therapist care for Kansans, without sacrificing any safety concerns and fast track the licensing process for military spouses moving into our state.

The conferees stood for questions from the committee.

Written-only proponent testimony was provided by:

Katrina Abraham, Government Affairs, Kansas, Lobbyist Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Attachment5).

Michelle Richart, Midwest Regional Liaison, Defense-State Liaison Office (Attachment6).

Chairperson Gossage closed the hearing on HB2533.