Kelly signs bill recognizing Hard of Hearing community

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 343, a bipartisan bill which updates Kansas statutes pertaining to any persons with hearing loss to instead use the term “hard of hearing.”

The legislation also ensures that blindness is not used as a determining factor when denying or restricting legal custody, residency, or parenting time that is in the best interest of the child.

“This legislation provides inclusiveness for all Kansans with varying degrees of hearing loss,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By updating the language of the affected statutes, we ensure that laws are equally accessible.”

“I’ve been proud to work alongside a constituent to update our language in statues for the Kansas deaf community,” Senator Kristen O’Shea said. “This bill shows Kansas is listening to the needs of our blind and hard of hearing populations.”

More information about SB 343 can be found here.