Kansas Senate approves bill that would restrict ability to limit public gatherings

TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - Senators in Kansas have ed a bill that would restrict the ability of public health officials to limit public gatherings.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) has announced that the State Senate voted 28-12 to approve Senate Bill 29, which would remove the government’s ability to restrict or prohibit public gatherings even during public health emergencies.

Under the bill, Sen. Masterson said public health officials could still recommend against public gatherings but would not be able to prohibit them. He called the bill a simple and straightforward means of protection for rights believed to be restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This bill is a common-sense solution that still appropriately allows public health officials to issue strong recommendations but ultimately trusts the people of Kansas with their constitutional rights,” Masterson noted.

According to Sen. Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), Chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee, the legislation is a way to ensure laws respect the rights of the people while public health recommendations remain reasonable.

“As we go forward, we will fully examine other areas of law to ensure that the rights of the people are paramount, while still providing health officials ample ability to advise the public as warranted,” Gossage said.

The bill will now to the Kansas House of Representatives for consideration.

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

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