House approves bill to create regulatory relief division, opponents warn of health, safety and fiscal risks (90‑28)

The Kansas House passed House Bill 2291 on Thursday, 90 to 28. The bill would create a regulatory relief division within the Attorney General's office and establish a general regulatory sandbox program that allows waiver or suspension of administrative rules for program participants.

Representative Floyd spoke on the floor and recorded a "no" vote, raising concerns about potential unintended consequences if health and safety regulations were waived. Floyd said the bill could put the state at odds with federal regulators and cited uncertainty around whether the bill's provisions could affect Medicaid eligibility and provider regulations. He also noted the bill would add six full‑time positions to the Attorney General's office and "would require an increase of $913,806 to the state general fund that is not currently funded in our budget." Floyd summarized his position: "This is risky and costly. I vote no."

House debate was otherwise limited in the provided transcript excerpt. The bill's language, as read on the floor, authorizes the Attorney General's office to create a regulatory relief division and a general regulatory sandbox program to waive or suspend administrative rules for program participants.

Final action on the bill was recorded shortly after the reading; the clerk closed the roll and announced passage by a constitutional majority. Votes at a glance: House Bill 2291 — final passage 90 yes, 28 no.