ALEC Policy Champions Kansas Rep. Patrick Penn and Sen. Stephen Owens Reduce Barriers to Innovation
Congratulations to Rep. Patrick Penn and Sen. Stephen Owens for increasing the opportunity for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Sunflower State!
ALEC is proud to recognize Kansas State Rep. Patrick Penn and State Sen. Stephen Owens as ALEC Policy Champions for their success in bringing a regulatory sandbox program to Kansas. HB 2291 was originally vetoed by Governor Laura Kelly, but the legislature overrode the veto on April 10th, making Kansas the fifth state to have a universal sandbox program.
The universal regulatory sandbox programs created by HB 2291 will be administered by a regulatory relief division within the Office of the Attorney General. It allows businesses to test their new products and services by temporarily waiving certain regulations. This allows businesses to explore new innovations without being deterred by excessive regulations. The program also creates a framework to make sure that public health and safety are protected through the process.
HB 2291 resembles the ALEC Universal Regulatory Sandbox Act, one of the ALEC Essential Policy Solutions for 2025. This model policy establishes a framework for businesses to trial innovative products and services while temporarily bypassing burdensome regulations. It also creates a reporting process to prevent harm to public health and safety.
In a joint statement, Senate President Ty Masterson (ALEC 2024 National Chair) and Speaker Dan Hawkins said, “limiting needless government red tape to foster new ideas and businesses is a logical way to spur economic and job growth.”
Congratulations to Rep. Patrick Penn and Sen. Stephen Owens for increasing the opportunity for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Sunflower State!