KS governor signs 'Claire and Lola's bill' into law

Governor Laura Kelly Monday signed Senate Bill 28, "Claire and Lola's Bill" into law.

"This bill provides an affirmative defense against prosecution for possession of certain use of cannabidiol with tetrahydrocannabinol to treat certain medical conditions," the governor's office says. "It also prohibits state agencies and political subdivisions from initiating child removal proceedings based on parent’s possession or use of cannabidiol treatment."

Gwen and Scott Hartley said the bill could save their 12-year-old daughter's life. Lola suffers from microcephaly, a medical condition in which a child's brain doesn't fully develop and the child has an abnormally small head for his or her age. The condition has already claimed the life of Lola's older sister, Claire, who died at the age of 17 in December 2018.

“I’m pleased to sign Claire and Lola’s bill into law today,” Kelly said Monday. “This is the first step in addressing the health needs of many Kansans, but we still have a long way to go. I’m hopeful the legislature will review this issue comprehensively next session.”

"Claire and Lola's Law" goes into effect on July 1.