Lawmakers in both Kansas chambers have passed a bill that, according to conservative Republicans, is designed to “protect minor children from the irreversible harms of experimental gender reassignment surgeries and treatments.
The Help Not Harm Act passed with veto-proof majorities in both House and Senate. Supporters say the bill is needed because gender reaffirmation care, including puberty blockers and transgender surgery, “violates the first duty of medicine: do no harm.”
17th District Senator Mike Argabright voted for the bill, saying brain development played a big part in his vote.
In the House, the vote was split. 76th District Representative Brad Barrett gave a similar reason for his yes vote.
13th District Representative Duane Droge was also in favor. 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber voted against it, saying it sets a dangerous precedent for denying medical care for people who are “different.”
Droge has not commented.
Separately, the Senate has passed two bills to reduce property tax burdens on residents. Senate Bill 10, supported by a number of county appraisers, is set to exempt a number of residential vehicles from property tax, including watercraft, trailers, motorized bicycles and snowmobiles. Senate Bill 35, meanwhile, eliminates a 1.5-mill levy for state educational and institutional buildings, with stated plans to make up any shortfalls through state general fund dollars.
Argabright voted for both bills. On SB 10, Argabright says county appraisers are spending more to collect the tax dollars than the revenue that’s generated. On SB 35, he says Emporia State University should not see any impact.
Meanwhile, the Kansas Senate’s new Committee on Government Efficiency has launched a portal for public input available here. The portal lets residents submit ideas for making government more effective and efficient. Residents can also email kansascoge@senate.ks.gov.
Lawmakers representing Lyon County have been invited to the first Legislative Dialogue of the year, coming Feb. 8 to the Flint Hills Technical College main campus. As has been the case for years, a light breakfast will be available starting at 8 am, with legislative overviews from the lawmakers to be followed by a question-and-answer session. Legislative Dialogues are organized by the Chamber’s Government Matters Committee and the League of Women Voters Emporia chapter.
