The House Committee on Appropriations convened on January 31, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters and hear an informational briefing from BioNexus, represented by Melissa Roberts Chapman. The meeting began with a correction regarding a previous request made on behalf of the Kansas Association of Technical Colleges, followed by the introduction of new bills, which concluded without additional proposals.

Melissa Roberts presented on the KC Biohub, a consortium managed by BioNexus, which aims to enhance the life sciences sector in the Kansas City region. She emphasized the importance of biologic medicines, which are derived from living organisms and play a crucial role in both human and animal health. Roberts highlighted the region's strengths, including the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility and Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute, which contribute to the development of biologics.

Roberts discussed a recent opportunity to apply for a federal Tech Hubs grant aimed at fostering innovation in critical technology areas. Kansas and Missouri submitted a joint proposal, with Kansas seeking a $2 million budget allocation to demonstrate state support for the initiative. Missouri has already committed $1 million to the effort. Roberts noted that successful applicants in the previous round had state funding matches, which underscored the need for Kansas to show its commitment to the project.

The committee engaged in a question-and-answer session with Roberts, discussing the significance of the animal health corridor in Kansas and how biologics contribute to both animal and human health. Roberts explained that the region already produces a significant portion of biologic medicines used in animal health, and expanding this work could bolster the local economy and public health.

Following the BioNexus presentation, the committee moved on to budget reports, starting with the Kansas 9-1-1 Coordinating Council. The council's budget for fiscal year 2025 was discussed, noting that it would be replaced by a state 9-1-1 board in July 2025. The agency's budget request for fiscal year 2026 included $4.11 million for operations and state aid, with an additional $2 million allocated for grants to develop geographic information system data for critical infrastructure, particularly in schools.

Committee members raised questions about the effectiveness of the proposed technology for emergency response in multi-level buildings and expressed concerns about the adequacy of funding to cover all schools in Kansas. A motion to increase the funding to $6 million was discussed but ultimately failed.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing the life sciences sector in Kansas and improving emergency response capabilities across the state. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of state support in securing federal funding and advancing critical technology areas.