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Minutes for HB2667 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Concerning the lottery operating fund, increasing transfers to the community crisis stabilization centers fund and the clubhouse model program fund of the Kansas department for aging and disability services.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 13, 2024
Chairperson Carpenter opened the hearing on HB2667. The revisor provided an overview of the bill (Attachment 1).
The Chair recognized Andy Brown, Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (Attachment 2) as a proponent. He stated that HB2667 offers a practical and sustainable solution by tapping into existing revenue streams that are generated by the Lottery's vending machines to fund essential services for those in crisis and individuals that are seeking to live independently in our communities.
Andy Houltberg testified as a proponent of HB2667 (Attachment 3) (Attachment 3A). He stated that his organization, Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services, operates three Clubhouses and facilitates the Kansas Clubhouse Coalition and KDADS grant. The Clubhouse model has proven to be a transformative force in the lives of those affected by mental health. They are asking for an increase of the cap on lottery vending machine revenue from the statutory $8 million to $12 million.
Chairperson Carpenter recognized Katie Gibbons as a proponent on HB2667 (Attachment 4). She stated that Clubhouses create an intentional work-mediated community that provides a safe and restorative environment for members committed to one another's success. They are asking for additional funding so the Clubhouse expansion can continue into the rest of Kansas and so they can increase their capacity to serve more individuals.
Molly Kemper spoke as a proponent to the bill on behalf of Lotus House and the Kansas Clubhouse Coalition (Attachment 5). She stated that Clubhouses advocate for integration into the wider community, including housing, employment, education and social connections.
Kelsey Thomas testified as a proponent of HB2667 (Attachment 6). She stated that she is a living testament to the success of the Breakthrough House known as Lotus House in Topeka. She now considers herself a success and has a bright future.
Chairperson Carpenter recognized Patrick Schmitz, Bert Nash Community Health Center, as a proponent of HB2667 (Attachment 7). He stated that Bert Nash is a comprehensive CMHC/CCBHC . They operate the Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County, which is the first Crisis Intervention Center envisioned in the Crisis Intervention Center Act passed by the Legislature in 2017. It has three levels of care available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The first level is the urgent care unit which operates as a behavioral health crisis emergency department accessible to all ages for those experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The other two levels are available to those 18 years old and above: the 23-hour observation unit and the 72-hour stabilization unit. HB2667 will provide the additional funding needed to ensure access to crisis behavioral health care by all those who are uninsured or under-insured.
Chairperson Carpenter recognized Colin Thomasset as a proponent of HB2667 (Attachment 8) on behalf of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) provide outpatient services to patients living with severe and persistent mental illness and children with severe emotional disturbances. This bill would help them continue to build a robust crisis system of care across the state.
Randy Callstrom testified in support of HB2667 (Attachment 9). They opened the first crisis stabilization center in the state in April 2014. It offered sobering services, observations, and crisis stabilization services. It is in partnership with Johnson County Mental Health Center and Heartland RADAC and Wyandotte Behavioral Health Network. Since opening they have served over 17,000 individuals. They are making a significant difference in people's lives, as well as saving the county and state significant money. He would urge the Committee to pass out HB2667.
Chairperson Carpenter noted that there was written proponent testimony from Tim DeWeese, Johnson County Mental Health Center (Attachment 10), as well as written neutral testimony from Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery (Attachment 11).
Chairperson Carpenter asked the research staff to provide the Committee with the number of people who are served by the Breakthrough Clubs.
The hearing on HB2667 was closed.
