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Minutes for SB497 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Adding kratom to schedule I of the uniform controlled substances act and making conforming amendments to the definition of fentanyl-related controlled substance in the criminal code.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 16, 2026
Chairperson Gossage opened the hearing on SB497.
Jenna Moyer, Assistant Revisor, Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes briefed the committee on the bill. (Attachment1)
Chairperson Gossage introduced the following people who testified in support of the bill:
Senator Jeff Klemp (Attachment2) testified SB 497 adds kratom to Schedule I of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifying it as a substance with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, effectively banning its sale and possession in Kansas. Senator Klemp urged his colleagues to pass SB 497 immediately.
Sara Hortenstine (Attachment3) who urged the committee to support the bill and advance it favorably to protect Kansas families.
Dr. David Kuntz (Attachment4) testified 7-OH is a highly potent opioid with effects that exceed those of morphine and carries a significant risk of severe addiction and overdose.
Katie Patterson (Attachment5) urged support for the bill due to the threat we currently face to the quality of life in Kansas.
Patrick Porubsky (Attachment6) who described the chemical aspects of the substance urged the committee support the bill.
Bob Stuart (Attachment7) who stated the Kansas Bureau of Investigation urges the committee to advance this important legislation because it will directly target the growing public health and safety crisis.
Robert Thompson (Attachment8) stated 7-OH is a serious health threat which is a new and dangerous opioid that we need to stop.
The proponent conferees stood for questions from the committee.
WRITTEN ONLY PROPONENT TESTIMONY LAST NAMES A-Z (Attachment9)
Chairperson Gossage introduced the following people who testified in opposition to the bill:
Ryan Boshears (Attachment10) asked the committee reconsider its thoughts and take into account what Kratom does and how it works.
Misty Brown (Attachment11) spoke out to protect others who are still fighting for their lives because Kratom has helped in pain management and allowed her to become a thriving mother and grandmother and a contributing member of society.
Aaron Estabrook (Attachment12) stated he supports responsible regulation not prohibition and urged the committee to reject the bill.
Jennifer Gillis (Attachment13) testified asking the committee support regulation instead of prohibition to lend her voice to represent the many others in the chronic pain community.
Kelly Gray (Attachment14) opposed the bill and asked the committee to not allow the bad actors in our industry to destroy the lives and progress that Kratom has created.
Mac Haddow (Attachment15) requested the committee proceed with precision and scientific discipline and reject the bill.
Eric Kueser (Attachment16) stated opioids are a problem and why are you trying to ban a legal, natural alternative. He requested the committee reject the bill.
Andrew Kulpa (Attachment17) stated Kansas should have effective legislation that keeps bad market actors out while permitting safe adult use of the botanical.
Matthew Lowe (Attachment18) stated the bill goes significantly further than federal regulations and those of neighboring states.
Nick Reinecker (Attachment19) testified that natural botanical cannabis and mitragyna should be exempted from the Kansas Controlled Substance Act and urged rejection of the bill.
Inga Selders (Attachment20) testified better regulation protects public health while respecting the needs of Kansans.
Jeff Smith (Attachment21) stated the organization he represents urges you to reject prohibition and embrace a responsible regulatory framework that constitutes an evidence-driven path forward focused on health not fear, politics or profit.
Jason Todack (Attachment22) urged the committee to reject the bill and support effective regulation to create more jobs for Kansans like himself.
Melody Woolf (Attachment23) requested the committee not ban plain leaf Kratom for those who take it responsibly.
The opponent conferees stood for questions from the committee.
WRITTEN ONLY OPPONENT TESTIMONY LAST NAMES A-Z (Attachment24)
Chairperson Gossage closed the hearing on SB497.
