Kansas House committee hears divided testimony on bill to shield pregnancy centers from local regulation

The House Committee on the Federal and State Affairs heard extensive testimony on House Bill 26‑35, the Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression Act, during a committee hearing on Feb. 20. Committee staff described the bill as defining pregnancy centers, banning state and local requirements that would compel centers to perform or refer for abortion or to provide abortion‑promoting materials, and creating a private right of action with possible damages and attorney fees. The summary also noted the bill would allow the legislature, by concurrent resolution, to appoint members to intervene in legal challenges under KSA 62‑24.

Proponents representing pregnancy resource centers, faith organizations and allied legal groups urged members to support the bill. Jean Gowden, director of government relations for Kansans for Life, said Kansas is "home to around 50 pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes" and described statewide programs and an asserted high client…