Kansas Senate
In the Kansas Senate,Schmidt served as chairwoman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee,Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations,and the State Employee Pay Plan Oversight Committee. Additionally,she served on the Health Care Stabilization Fund Oversight Committee,and the education,financial institutions and insurance,transportation committees. [3]
Kansas Department of Insurance
Schmidt was elected Kansas Insurance Commissioner in 2018,and reelected in 2022,where she received the highest percentage of the vote of any statewide candidate. [4]
In October 2023,Schmidt announced a reduction of producer licensing fees for 2024. It is estimated that these reductions will be reduced by a total of $1.2 million. [5] [6]
The department has staff who regularly assists Kansans answer insurance-related questions and resolve insurance issues. This includes assisting individuals with previously denied claims. During 2023,the department assisted with recovering $16 million for Kansas policyholders with disputes with their insurance companies. 2023 marks the largest single-year recovery in the history of the department. Since the beginning of Schmidt's tenure as commissioner in 2019,the department has recovered $35 million in total. [7] [8] In 2024,the department recovered $11.8 million for Kansas policyholders [4]
In early 2024,Schmidt introduced legislation to protect Kansas investors,including the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act,which was signed into law. As of July 1,2024,the new law strengthened the ability of Kansas Department of Insurance and financial advisers to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from financial abuse and fraud. Various organizations,including financial adviser firms and AARP supported the legislation. [9] [10]
In April 2025,legislation introduced by the department to eliminate regulatory fees,lower the premium tax,and reduce the cost of doing business in Kansas were signed into law. [11]
Personal life
In May 2023,Schmidt was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. She underwent surgery and radiation treatments,and became cancer free in September. Following her battle with cancer,Schmidt has continuously encouraged other women in Kansas to undergo routine mammogram screenings. [12]
Schmidt lives in Topeka with her husband Mike. They have been married for over fifty years,have two children,and four grandchildren. [13]
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