Bill Summary — HB 2383 (Kansas)

Status: Introduced 02/04/2025; Referred to Committee on Appropriations

Primary sponsor: Rep. Jay Hoffman

Related: HB 108 (companion)

Purpose / Intent

HB 2383 establishes a state-coordinated pilot program to provide health services (including telehealth and prescription medication reimbursements) to eligible child care providers licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The bill also (1) creates statewide uniform standards by prohibiting local governments from imposing stricter regulations on licensed child care providers than state rules, (2) directs free training/orientation and training reimbursement mechanisms, and (3) raises state support for certain child and adult care food program (CACFP) providers.

Key provisions

• Pilot health services program

  • KDHE, the Department of Administration, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet coordinate a pilot to provide health services to KDHE‑licensed child care providers.
  • Telehealth consultations contracted by Department of Administration for providers who:
  • are KDHE licensees (family child care home, day care home, group day care home, teacher or director);
  • are actively providing care;
  • have family income ≤ 150% of the federal poverty guidelines;
  • are not receiving employer‑based insurance at application.
  • Telehealth rollout:
  • FY ending June 30, 2026: family/day care home providers only;
  • FY ending June 30, 2027: expand to child care center employees;
  • FY ending June 30, 2028: expand to all eligible providers meeting criteria.
  • Prescription medication reimbursement: up to $100 per month per accepted provider (may be used for provider or dependents).
  • The Department may limit number of applicants; services provided for two calendar years beginning in 2026, subject to appropriations. Children’s Cabinet directed to seek grant funding to offset costs.

• Training and reimbursements

  • KDHE required to develop and provide free orientation and training materials; training may count toward continuing education hours.
  • KDHE and Children’s Cabinet must develop a training reimbursement program (reimburse costs for licensees sent to in‑person training) and pursue matching federal funding as appropriate.
  • A report on the training reimbursement program is to be submitted to the Legislature during the 2026 session.

• State preemption & information sharing

  • Cities, counties, and other political subdivisions may not impose regulations on KDHE‑licensed child care providers that are stricter than state law/rules; inconsistent local measures are null and void.
  • On request, KDHE must provide local governments with a list of licensed child care providers located within their jurisdiction.

• CACFP funding parity

  • Subject to appropriations, the state will match (to the top tier) federal CACFP reimbursements for licensed in‑home or group‑home providers who currently receive a lower federal tier, unless sufficient federal or grant funds become available to cover the top rate.

• Statutory change

  • Amends K.S.A. 65‑508 (facility operation and regulation provisions); repeals existing section language as indicated.

Fiscal and administrative impact

• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) estimates: $76,000 SGF and 1.00 FTE beginning FY2026 to oversee training development/implementation and federal compliance. KDHE expects to offer training via existing KS Train system.
• Kansas Children’s Cabinet: anticipates added responsibilities but believes existing staff can accommodate duties; will seek grants (availability uncertain).
• Department of Administration: expects to provide required services with current staffing; program fees expected to be covered by grants if obtained.
• League of Kansas Municipalities: no fiscal effect for cities; Kansas Association of Counties: possible fiscal effects depending on local regulatory changes.

Who is affected

• Primary: KDHE‑licensed child care providers (family/day care homes, group home providers, center employees as rollout expands), especially lower‑income and uninsured providers.
• State agencies: KDHE, Department of Administration, Kansas Children’s Cabinet.
• Local governments: lose ability to adopt stricter local licensing/regulatory requirements for licensed child care providers.
• State budget: potential SGF cost (KDHE estimate) and reliance on grant funding.

Timeline / Procedural notes

• Telehealth pilot begins in 2026 with phased expansions through 2028.
• Health services funded for two calendar years beginning 2026 (subject to appropriations).
• Training reimbursement program report due to Legislature in the 2026 session.
• Referred to Committee on Appropriations (current status).