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Kansas committee hears debate on "Professionals Freedom of Expression Act" over religious speech and MLS access
Summary
The Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development heard hours of testimony for and against House Bill 24‑65, which would bar licensing entities from disciplining professionals for private religious expression and clarify access rules to multiple listing services. Proponents said it protects private speech; opponents argued it is unnecessary and would force associations to change pricing and services.
The Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development on Feb. 20 heard competing arguments over House Bill 24‑65, the "Professionals Freedom of Expression Act," a measure proponents say would protect licensed professionals’ private, sincerely held religious speech and opponents say would improperly intrude on voluntary association governance and MLS business models.
Revisor Reimer summarized the bill, saying it would prohibit governmental entities and private licensing organizations from denying, revoking or suspending licenses or otherwise taking adverse action based solely on a professional’s beliefs or lawful expression unrelated to their professional duties, and would create a private cause of action for persons injured or likely to be injured by violations. The revisor also explained a new section that would be inserted into the real estate brokers and…
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