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Committee advances bill banning local guaranteed-income programs
Summary
The Committee on Welfare Reform voted to report House Bill 2101 favorably out of committee after debate over local control and definitions of “employment‑related training.”
The Committee on Welfare Reform voted to pass House Bill 2101 favorably out of committee after members debated whether counties and cities should be allowed to adopt guaranteed‑income programs.
House Bill 2101 would add a new section of law prohibiting a county or city from adopting an ordinance or resolution that establishes or provides for the operation of a guaranteed‑income program, defined in the bill as one that provides individuals regular periodic cash payments for any purpose without requiring employment, seeking employment, or attendance at employment‑related training.
Supporters said local experiments in the state prompted the legislation. Representative Barth, who moved the bill from committee, said programs already are appearing in Kansas and argued the bill would protect taxpayer dollars: “This is much needed for us to not allow something that could go in the very wrong direction of our taxpayer dollars,” Barth said. Representative Carr and others raised concerns about programs the bill seeks to stop, citing activity in Douglas County and public screenings and local outreach.
Opponents argued the bill unduly limits local choice. Representative Velsley called the measure “a solution in search of a problem” and said he would not support it. Representative Roser likewise said she would vote against the bill because it “appears to undermine local autonomy and local authority” and because she supports the County Home Rule Act.
There was also discussion about the bill’s terminology. A Reviser's office staff member told the committee employment‑related training is not defined in the bill and that interpretation could be left to municipalities or to a court challenge.
Representative Barth moved that the committee pass HB 2101 favorably out of committee; Representative Pickard seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll call tally; several members spoke in opposition during debate.
The committee then moved to consider House Bill 2240.
