The bill establishes a regulatory relief division within the Kansas attorney general's office to oversee a general regulatory sandbox program. This program permits participants to waive or suspend certain administrative rules and regulations, allowing them to demonstrate innovative offerings without traditional licensing. The division will manage the program, serve as a liaison between businesses and state agencies, and provide recommendations for regulatory changes. An advisory committee comprising representatives from various industries and state agencies will assist in evaluating applications for the sandbox program. The bill also outlines the application process, including disclosure requirements and risk assessments, while ensuring consumer safety through confidentiality provisions and established evaluation criteria.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a 12-month period for approved sandbox participants to showcase their offerings, emphasizing consumer protections and regulatory relief. Participants must inform consumers about the nature of their offerings, associated risks, and the absence of immunity from liability. The regulatory relief office has the authority to terminate a participant's involvement if they act in bad faith or cause significant consumer harm. The bill also amends existing laws regarding closed meetings, allowing discussions about sandbox applications in executive sessions, while repealing certain provisions of the open meetings act. New transparency and reporting requirements are introduced, including quarterly updates on consumer complaints and an exit report for participants leaving the sandbox program. The regulatory relief office will maintain a website for public suggestions on regulatory reforms, prioritizing consumer protection while promoting innovation.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-4319