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Dec. 15, 2019
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Minutes for HB2517 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs

Short Title

Kansas lottery; permit lottery ticket vending machines and bingo ticket vending machines; lottery sunset extended; debt setoff; certain lottery money pledged to mental health and community crisis programs.

Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 15, 2018

Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on HB2517.  Jason Long, Revisor, provided an overview (Attachment 1).  Chairperson Barker stated that there have been a number of changes from last year's bill, but it is the same as the one passed out in conference committee.  Questions were asked of the Revisor by Representatives Weber, Humphries, Carmichael, and Clayton. 

Chairperson Barker recognized Representative Brenda Landwehr as a proponent of HB2517 (Attachment 2).  This bill provides for the debt offset program which will allow winnings of gamblers to be attached to pay for outstanding back child support.  In addition, money will be provided for community crisis stabilization centers, funding for the clubhouse model program, and other mental health programs. Questions were asked by Chairperson Barker and Representatives Ellis and Carmichael.

Terry Presta was recognized by Chairperson Barker as a proponent on HB2517 (Attachment 3).  The Governor's staff has given him permission to support this bill.  Questions were asked by Representatives Clayton, Carpenter, Smith, Awerkamp, Jacobs, Carmichael, Arnberger, Rooker, and Whitmer.  In response to a question, Mr. Presta stated that in addition to the store clerk having the ability to shut down the machines if a minor tries to buy a ticket, there is a provision in the bill that minors will not be able to collect any winnings.  Representative Smith thinks an amendment should be prepared to direct that the vending machines should be placed in full view of the store clerk and that there should be a sign posted on or near the machine that clearly states any ticket purchased by a person under age18 is null and void.  Mr. Presta said he doesn't believe that electronic balance transfer (EBT) cards can be used in the vending machines, but he said he would check on that.  Matthew Schwartz, Director of Finance, responded to questioning about the formula that will be used on the machines and the distribution of funds. 

Mr. Presta stated the Lottery would request an amendment relating to the purchase or lease of bingo vending machines by nonprofit organizations to the jurisdiction of the Charitable Gaming Commission.

Chairperson Barker recognized Colin Thomasset as a proponent of HB2517 (Attachment 4).  This bill would be a big advancement in the goal of ensuring that funding for community crisis stabilization centers and other mental health services in Kansas.  Questions were asked by Representatives Ruiz and Rafie.

Mary Ellen Conlee testified in place of Barbara Andres, as a proponent of HB2517 on behalf of the Breakthrough Club (Attachment 5).  Breakthrough Club is a nonresidential center that helps people living with severe and persistent mental illness by helping them find jobs, teaching living skills, and how to manage their mental health symptoms.  Questions were asked by Representatives Weber and Ellis.

Chairperson Barker noted that there was written proponent testimony from Richard Klemp of Boyd Gaming (Attachment 6); Tom Palace, PMCA of Kansas (Attachment 7); and Trisha Thomas, Department of Children and Families (Attachment 8).

Chairperson Barker recognized Nicholas Reinecker as an opponent to HB2517 (Attachment 9) (Attachment 9A) (Attachment 9B).  He is concerned about minors buying these tickets

Chairperson Barker directed the Committee's attention to the written neutral testimony of Amy Campbell of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition (Attachment 10).

Seeing no further conferees, Chairperson Barker closed the hearing on HB2517.