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Minutes for HB2159 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Creating the emergency opioid antagonists assistance grant fund to provide emergency opioid antagonists to law enforcement agencies and removing law enforcement from the state board of pharmacy's statewide opioid antagonist protocol.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 11, 2025
Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2159.
Ed Klumpp, Legislative Liaison, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriff's Association, Kansas Peace Officers' Association, provided testimony in support of HB2159 (Attachment 5). The bill would make Narcan available to more law enforcement agencies to carry with them. Any financial assistance to purchase Narcan, especially for smaller agencies is appreciated. The bill also asks that requirements of 65-16,127 be removed. Since Narcan is now available over the counter, these policies are no longer necessary. The associations are requesting to retain the liability protections that exist.
Mr. Klumpp responded to questions from the committee.
Jennifer Ebert, Private Citizen, provided testimony is support of HB2159 (Attachment 6). Ms. Ebert provided a personal story related to her son's death. We are facing a fentanyl crisis that does not discriminate. Passing this bill will save lives.
Amber Saale, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2159 (Attachment 7). Ms. Saale provided a personal story related to her daughter's death. The bill will assist in ensuring that the safety of our children is prioritized. It is important that every officer carry Naloxone because they often are the first to arrive for an emergency scene. Having Naloxone on hand allows officers to provide immediate help and potentially prevent deaths. This bill is not just about changing laws, it is about saving lives.
Ms. Saale responded to questions from the committee.
Written only testimony in support was provided by the following:
Ashley Richey, Private Citizen (Attachment 8)
Written only neutral testimony was provided by the following:
Alexandra Blasi, Executive Director, Kansas Board of Pharmacy (Attachment 9)
The hearing on HB2159 was closed.
