The bill transfers the authority to authorize and oversee prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions awareness programs from the Department of Health and Environment to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities. This includes the powers, duties, and functions previously held by the Department as outlined in K.S.A. 65-1,259. The bill mandates that any references to the Department in relation to these programs will now refer to the Kansas Council. Additionally, all existing rules and regulations from the Department regarding these programs will remain effective until they are amended or revoked by the Council.

The bill also amends K.S.A. 65-1,259 to specify that the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities will be responsible for activities such as awarding grants and contracts to support services for women and families receiving diagnoses of conditions like Down syndrome. It emphasizes the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate information for affected families and requires the Council to report on the effectiveness of the programs funded. Furthermore, the bill establishes a dedicated fund for these awareness programs and includes a provision for an initial transfer of funds from the state general fund to support these initiatives. The existing section of K.S.A. 65-1,259 is repealed as part of this legislative change.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-1
As Amended by House Committee: 65-1