Cassiopeia Capps

The Kansas Board of Barbering's vision is to be recognized as an effective and efficient fee-funded board dedicated to the protection of the consuming public and the supervision of the barbering industry. Its mission is to safeguard public health and welfare through the enforcement of barber statutes and regulations, ensuring proper sanitation, licensing of qualified barbers and colleges, and providing comprehensive industry support. This includes maintaining state-of-the-art regulations, balancing financial aspects, fostering effective communication, and ensuring a knowledgeable and qualified board and staff.

Rep. Schmidt questions FBI Director Patel regarding partnerships with state and local law enforcement, counterdrug efforts, forensic laboratory cooperation, and the importance of programs like Haida and Coverdale. The discussion covers the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and its implications for the FBI's approach to domestic activities, drawing parallels to post-9/11 counterterrorism strategies. Additionally, the hearing addresses the expiring authority related to counter-UAS (drones) and the FBI's role in ensuring security at major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA Olympics.

The meeting of the Safer Classrooms Workgroup included discussions about COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11, the Kansas test to stay strategy, the importance of masking, and students' mental health. The CDC authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 for emergency use. Kansas will receive 128,000 doses in the first wave of vaccine distribution. The workgroup also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on children, including worsening mental health, widening education gaps, and a decrease in routine immunizations.

The meeting included an update on COVID-19, with discussions on case counts, positivity rates, hospitalizations, and vaccine distribution. The council also discussed three executive orders: one waiving certain tuberculin testing requirements for congregate living settings, another related to rural water district meetings, and a third authorizing additional COVID vaccinators. The aim of the third order is to clarify which medical professionals can administer the COVID vaccine and prepare for increased vaccine supply.

The meeting of the Governor's Commission on Racial Equity and Justice included a presentation from the governor's grants office. The presentation covered the role of the grants office, including the various grant programs it administers, such as the sexual assault services grant program, services training officers prosecutors violence against women program, and victims of crime victim assistance grants. The discussion also involved the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in adhering to the requirements of these grant programs, particularly the JAG program, and the potential impact of proposed congressional bills on JAG funding.