This bill establishes a Business Enterprise Program Oversight Task Force under the Kansas Department for Children and Families, aimed at enhancing the administration and accountability of the Business Enterprise Program for blind individuals. The task force will consist of seven members appointed by various legislative leaders and the governor, with a mandate to study and make recommendations on aspects such as vendor recruitment, training, financial practices, and compliance with laws. The task force is required to submit a report to the legislature by July 1, 2027, and may request audits of the program from the legislative post audit committee.

Additionally, the bill renames the existing program to the Business Enterprise Program and the Vending Facilities Advisory Committee to the Committee of Blind Vendors. It creates a new Business Enterprise Program Fund in the state treasury, transferring funds from the previously established vending facilities account, which will be abolished by July 30, 2027. The bill also amends several existing statutes to reflect these changes and repeals outdated sections related to the previous account and advisory committee structure.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-3337, 75-3339a, 75-3340, 75-3343