The bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the administration of the state employee health benefits plan and the state workers' compensation self-insurance fund in Kansas. It transfers all powers, duties, and functions from the Department of Administration to the Insurance Department, specifically under the direction of the Commissioner of Insurance. This transition includes the transfer of relevant employees, who will maintain their classified status, retirement benefits, and leave balances. The bill ensures that existing rules and regulations remain effective until they are amended or repealed, and it clarifies that ongoing legal actions involving the former division can continue under the new administrative structure.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Kansas law to reflect these changes, including the deletion of references to the Secretary of Health and Environment and the insertion of the Commissioner of Insurance in key roles. The Commissioner will now oversee the state workplace health and safety program and the workers' compensation self-insurance fund, with responsibilities that include implementing health and safety programs and managing claims against state agencies. The Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission will also be chaired by the Commissioner of Insurance instead of the Governor. The bill updates the effective date to July 1, 2027, and repeals several outdated statutes, aiming to streamline the administration of health and safety programs and workers' compensation claims within state agencies.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 44-512, 44-575, 44-577, 44-578, 75-6502, 75-3223, 75-6503
As Amended by House Committee: 44-512, 44-575, 44-577, 44-578, 75-6502, 75-3223, 75-6503, 75-37