| Senator Kim Hammer of Benton was elected to the state Senate in
2018, after serving in the House of Representatives for eight years.
He represents Senate District 33, which includes parts of Saline County
and southwestern Pulaski County.
During his first term as a senator in 2019, he sponsored numerous bills
affecting health care in almost all of its many facets. He co-sponsored
legislation that updated regulations governing the practice of nursing,
the training of chiropractors, the licensure of physical therapists, the
prescribing of painkillers and controlled substances, emergency
medical treatment, assisted living palliative care, hospice care, the
treatment of people with developmental disabilities and Medicaid
reimbursements.
He was the Senate sponsor of Act 878 to provide for insurance
coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric
disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as
PANDAS, and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome,
referred to as PANS.
In addition to health care, Senator Hammer's legislative priorities
include the process for registering motor vehicles and renewing
drivers' licenses. His list of bills also includes measures on municipal
aid and workforce services.
Senator Hammer is a member of the Senate Committee on Public
Health, Welfare and Labor and the Senate Committee on
Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs. He also serves on
the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs
and the Legislative Council.
He is a chaplain and pastor at Saline Memorial Hospice. He and his wife,
Karen, have two sons and a daughter. He is a member of Saline
Missionary Baptist Church in Tull. |