Abortion, fentanyl & DEI: What to know about Kansas laws in effect July 1

The Kansas Department of Children and Family Services estimated that 25% of those teens will utilize this pathway.

Another law, the Uniform Nonparent Visitation Act, allows someone who is not a biological parent to seek visitation rights. Anyone seeking visitation must prove they have a “substantial relationship with the child” or have taken care of the child in the past. The law specifically points to grandparents and stepparents as beneficiaries of the law.

New crime measures

Anyone who calls for help during an overdose or provides medical assistance to someone overdosing would be immune from prosecution under a law taking effect July 1. The immunity would not extend to people found with a large quantity of narcotics indicating an intent to distribute.

Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican, sponsored the bill. He told the Star that Leavenworth has a “real, serious issue” with fentanyl poisoning that inspired him to take action.

“If in just one instance the folks around the overdosing person decide to call for help and stay with them instead of fleeing the scene, it will be worth it,” Proctor said. “If the law saves just one person, it is worth it.”

Killing or severely injuring a police dog also carries a heavier punishment, according to a new law. It imposes the minimum three-month sentence in addition to a fine of at least $10,000 in addition to paying for the animal’s veterinary treatment, funeral, burial and replacement.

Lawmakers this year made encouraging someone to commit suicide a felony and increased penalties for distributing fentanyl.

New patient regulations

The No Patient Left Alone Act requires medical care facilities to allow in-person visitation to patients receiving end-of-life care, making a major medical decision, is a minor, is hospitalized for childbirth, is in decline or having emotional stress.

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