Democrats, Patients Advocates In Nevada Renew Efforts To Ban Surprise Medical Bills
"Patients don't have an ability to negotiate," said one supporter of the bill at a legislative hearing. In other news, lawmakers in Kansas expect new lottery revenues to help pay for more mental health facilities, and a Texas bill would criminalize cyberbullying.
The Associated Press:
Nevada Advocates Try Again To Ban Surprise Medical Bills
Alarmingly expensive medical bills came under fire at the Nevada Legislature on Monday, six years after Gov. Brian Sandoval shot down a proposal that similarly attempted to ban surprise out-of-network costs. Union representatives, patient advocates and Democratic leaders are hoping the policy's recent enactment in California, New York, Connecticut and elsewhere will push the governor to reconsider. (Noon, 4/10)
KCUR (Kansas City, Mo., Public Radio):
New Lottery Machines Could Offer Chance At Funding For Kansas Mental Health Facilities
Additional funding for some mental health facilities in Kansas may depend, at least in part, on the number of lottery tickets sold from new machines. The Kansas House and Senate have approved versions of House Bill 2313, which would direct proceeds from newly legalized lottery ticket vending machines to crisis stabilization centers and mental health clubhouses. The bill must go to a conference committee, which will work out differences between the House and Senate versions, before it can proceed to Gov. Sam Brownback. (Wingerter, 4/10)
Texas Tribune:
"David's Law" Would Criminalize Cyberbullying, Require School Policies
After months of cyberbullying, the 16-year-old Alamo Heights High School student [David Molak] took his own life in January 2016. His parents created David’s Legacy, a foundation aimed at raising awareness about cyberbullying and suicide. And now the San Antonio family is working with a state senator on a bill to make cyberbullying a crime in Texas when it leads to injury or suicide and the victim is a minor. ...
[Texas state Sen. José Menéndez's] bill classifies cyberbullying as a misdemeanor, allows courts to issue subpoenas to unmask people who anonymously harass minors online and requires public schools to report and intervene in any suspected cyberbullying cases. (Wang, 4/11)
