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Senate passes amended family planning services bill after floor debate over minors’ access
Summary
After floor debate and a previously adopted amendment, the Senate passed the amended SB 74 that excludes under-18s from receiving certain family planning services; senators discussed access via CHIP and private insurance and the bill passed 23–1.
The Senate passed first substitute Senate Bill 74, an amended measure addressing family planning services, after floor discussion about whether minors retain access to services with parental permission. Senator Kitchen explained that an amendment adopted earlier would exclude persons under 18 from receiving the specified services, and she said most minors already have access through CHIP and private insurance.
During questioning, Senator Andrade asked whether minors with parental permission could still access services; Kitchen replied that by and large they can and that the amendment was intended to clarify and limit the particular service set. After debate, the Senate voted on the amended bill; the transcript records an outcome of 23 yes votes and 1 no vote. The bill was recorded as passing and will be sent to the House for further consideration.
Sponsor statements emphasized that the amendment was intended to avoid unintended access changes and that the measure had been discussed in earlier floor dialogue and committee work.
