Kansas hearing on SB161 spotlights fight over legislative approval for federal waiver changes to public-assistance programs

Senate Bill 161 would require an act of the Kansas Legislature before any state agency seeks or implements a federal waiver or other authorization that would expand eligibility for a public-assistance program or increase state costs, the reviser told the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency at a May hearing.

The bill, explained Tamara Lawrence of the Reviser's Office, “would enact a new section of law that would require approval by an act of the legislature before any state agency seeks or implements a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that would expand eligibility for any public assistance program or would increase costs to the state.”

Supporters framed SB161 as a restoration of legislative authority over major program changes. Jerry Michaud, president and CEO of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, told the committee that providers and families should be at the table for system changes affecting intellectual and developmental disability services and asked legislators to oversee the process. Matt Fletcher, executive director of Interhab, called the proposed changes “massive in their scope” and urged the committee to consider amendments to protect…