<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581353884625.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland, 40th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland, 40th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate considered the appointment of Laurel Searles, as a member of the Kansas Human Rights Commission on February 12. The appointment was confirmed 40-0. Laurel Searles is the Director of Unemployment Insurance with the Kansas Department of Labor and will serve in the Labor Representative seat on the commission. The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources heard two controversial bills on raw milk this week. SB300 calls for complete and total ban on the sale of unpasteurized, or “raw” milk, while SB308 allows for the sale of raw milk (and advertising of raw milk) to be done however dairy farmers see fit, with the caveat that certain warning labels are placed on the product and in advertisements. Proponents for a total ban on raw milk sales included several dairy producers, who spoke on behalf of the organizations they represent and are concerned with the health and safety of raw milk products. They say that if someone gets sick from the consumption of raw milk, the entire dairy industry is often penalized through lower sales and decreased consumer trust. Opponents of a total ban included two lawyers, who say a ban on raw milk infringes on consumer’s right to choose what they buy, and producers rights to choose what they produce. Three farmers (two who raise and sell raw milk and one who sells goat meat but drinks raw milk) also testified in opposition of a total ban, saying they fully believe in the safety, and even potential health benefits, of raw milk. The Kansas Livestock Association, which represents a number of dairy farms across the state, offered three amendments: one technical amendment related to the definition of milk, one to create sanitary standards for raw milk dairies, and one to create a registry system within the Kansas Department of Agriculture for producers who sell raw milk to the public. There are many small dairies across Kansas selling raw milk and passing this legislation would have a severe economic impact on them. The Senate Ag committee discussed SB153 this week. SB153 is aimed to regulate and penalize those who cause spillage of water and soil pollutants. The bill will authorize the Department of Health and Environment to adopt rules and regulations to respond to the report of a pollutant. The amendment that was added&nbsp;creates an exception for any animal or crop waste in the definition of “pollutant” and allows for exceptions for spills that happen during the course of normal agricultural activities.It is an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov. You may also call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785 296-7399 or my cell number is 785 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 236-E.

BILLINGER: Senate Update Feb. 18