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Minutes for HB2311 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Prohibiting the secretary from adopting and enforcing policies for placement, custody and appointment of a custodian that may conflict with sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity and creating a right of action for violations.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 12, 2025
Chairperson Gossage called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. She recognized Senator Clifford for a point of personal privilege. He introduced Dr. Robin Durette, who introduced two second-year medical students also visiting Senator Clifford today.
The Chairperson opened the hearing on HB2311. She called on Jenna Moyer, Assistant Revisor of Statutes, Office of Revisor of Statutes for an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
Oral Proponents:
Lance Kinzer, Director of Policy and Government Relations, First Amendment Partnership, who said that Kansas should welcome a diverse range of qualified adoptive and foster parents - including people of faith. (Attachment 2)
Tyler Geisler, a private Kansas Citizen, with his wife started the process to become licensed foster parents, who were ultimately denied and believe the denial was based upon their faith and views on sexual orientation and gender identity. (Attachment 3)
Jeremiah Gress, a private Kansas Citizen, who with his wife have four children, three through adoption and one biological child. He stated that his family is a unique reflection of the diversity that mirrors the heart of God. He urged lawmakers to recognize the critical role that faith-based families play in providing safe, loving homes for children in need. (Attachment 4)
Nathan Bruns, Kansas State Director, Lifeline Children's Services, a past foster parent, adoptive father and Kansas professional, who gave his support to HB2311, believing that it will ensure that families desiring to care for foster children will not need to compromise their moral and religious beliefs regarding sexual or gender identity. (Attachment 5)
The proponents answered questions from Chairperson Gossage and Senators Pettey and Blasi. Chairperson Gossage pointed the members' attention to the written-only proponent testimony.
WRITTEN ONLY TESTIMONY proponents A-Z (Attachment 6)
Oral Opponents:
Rabbi Moti Rieber, Executive Director, Kansas Interfaith Action, is a statewide, mult-ifaith issue-advocacy organization. He stated that HB2311 bill is framed as a religious freedom bill, but is another front against LGBTQ+ children, whom they believe are beloved children of God, deserving affirmation, support, and a loving environment. (Attachment 7)
Taryn Jones, Policy Director, Equality Kansas stated her training was in social work. She related that HB2311 states that a person's religious or moral beliefs cannot be the deciding factor in being a licensed foster parent or part of a decision in placement, but also speaks to what is in the best interest of the child, a contradictory statement she believes, if placing an LGBTQ+ child with unaffirming parents. (Attachment 8)
Chloe Chaffin, Fellowship Manager of Loud Light Civic Action. spoke to her concerns included that the bill does not put the child's health and safety first; facilitation of practices that are widely regarded as abusive; and passage of HB2311 will make it harder to be LGBTQ+ in Kansas. (Attachment 9)
Dr. Briana McGeough, Assistant Professor, University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, testifying virtually via Webex, in her capacity as a social worker with experience practicing in the child welfare system and providing mental health services to LGBTQ people. Some of her concerns included the impact of HB2311 on the welfare system, especially the burden it places on the workers to find safe placements for LGBTQ youth without sufficient institutional support promoting placement safety. (Attachment 10)
Iridescent (Riffel) Roney, M.S.Ed., Secretary, Equality Kansas; Co-Chair, Douglas County Chapter Community Action Team, Loud Light, testified virtually via Webex opposing the bill. She related her experience as a lifelong Kansan, and an LGBTQIA+ person with disabilities. She related her prior young life of sexual abuse in and out of the foster care system, followed by adoption by homophobic and transphobic parents. She stated that Kansas should focus on improving the foster care system and supporting its staff. (Attachment 11)
The opponents answered questions from Senators Holscher and Clifford. Chairperson Gossage pointed members' attention to the written-only opponent testimony.
WRITTEN ONLY TESTIMONY Opponents (Attachment 12)
Mo Horowitz, Private Citizen (Attachment 13)
Chairperson Gossage closed the hearing on HB2311.
