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 of the division of the state employee health benefits plan from the Department of Administration to the Insurance Department, under the direction of the Commissioner of Insurance. This transfer includes relevant employees who will maintain their classified status, retirement benefits, and leave balances. The bill ensures that existing rules and regulations will remain effective until amended or repealed, and it clarifies that ongoing legal actions involving the former division can continue under the Insurance Department. Additionally, it includes provisions for the transfer of funds and property related to these programs, ensuring their use for intended purposes.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of Kansas law to shift responsibilities for workplace health and safety from the Secretary of Health and Environment to the Commissioner of Insurance, establishing a state workplace health and safety program for state agencies. It modifies the claims process against the state workers' compensation self-insurance fund, specifying that claims should be served upon the Commissioner of Insurance. The bill also redefines the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission's structure, placing the Commissioner of Insurance in a central role, and establishes a technical administrator position to assist the commission. Several outdated statutes are repealed, and the bill sets a future effective date of July 1, 2027, for its provisions.

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