The bill amends existing public health laws in Kansas by removing the authority of county or joint boards of health and local health officers to prohibit public gatherings as a measure for controlling infectious or contagious diseases. Specifically, it modifies K.S.A. 65-119 to eliminate the power to prohibit public gatherings, instead allowing health officials to recommend against them when necessary. Additionally, the bill repeals K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-129b, which previously contained provisions related to the management of infectious diseases, including isolation and quarantine measures.

Furthermore, the bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 65-101 to clarify the responsibilities of the secretary of health and environment in supervising public health and investigating disease causes. It also establishes that any actions taken to restrict movement due to infectious diseases must be supported by probable cause. The overall effect of the bill is to limit the powers of local health authorities in managing public health crises, particularly regarding the prohibition of gatherings, while still allowing for certain health measures to be enforced under specific conditions.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-101, 65-202, 65-118, 65-119, 65-128, 65-129b, 65-129d, 65-116g, 21-6203, 72-5180, 65-126, 65-127, 65-129, 65-129c
Sub: 65-119, 65-118
As Amended by House Committee: 65-101, 65-119, 65-118, 65-129b
Enrolled: 65-119, 65-129b, 65-101, 65-118