Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2034

Introduced
1/17/23  
Refer
1/17/23  
Report Pass
2/7/23  
Engrossed
2/23/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Report Pass
3/15/23  

Caption

Requiring a referral of an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect for an examination as part of an investigation, creating a program in the department of health and environment to provide training and payment for such examinations.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws to require that completed reviews from medical evaluations are reported to both the Secretary of Health and the appropriate law enforcement agency. This ensures that all relevant information regarding a child’s potential victimization is shared, allowing for more informed decision-making regarding the child's safety and care. The establishment of a child abuse review and evaluation fund also implies state financial backing for these necessary services, indirectly enhancing the quality of support provided to abused children.

Summary

House Bill 2034 introduces significant measures to enhance the processes involved in the investigation of child abuse and neglect cases in Kansas. It establishes a framework for mandatory medical evaluations for children who are the subject of abuse investigations, emphasizing the need for a referral to a child abuse medical resource center when allegations arise. This legislative change is designed to ensure that children's welfare is prioritized during investigations, with a focus on obtaining thorough and professional assessments of potential abuse.

Contention

Debate around HB2034 may center on issues of privacy and the extent to which medical evaluations should be mandated in abuse investigations. Some proponents argue that these measures are essential for ensuring children's safety, while opponents might express concerns about overreach or the potential for misuse of sensitive medical information. Additionally, the logistics of implementing the required referrals and training for care providers might also be points of contention, especially regarding resource allocation and management.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

KS SB145

Requiring immediate notification of a report of abuse or neglect to a law enforcement agency and providing for law enforcement agencies to request resources from the secretary for children and families.

KS HB2175

Requiring the secretary for children and families to notify the parent of a child who is the subject of an investigation of abuse or neglect of such parent's rights during such investigation and to complete a written report upon closing such an investigation, providing for an agreement between the parent of a child and the secretary if such child is removed from the home during an investigation of abuse or neglect and a parent to withhold certain information except when otherwise ordered by a court.

KS HB2024

Expanding legal surrender of an infant to include newborn safety devices, requiring a referral of an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect for an examination as part of an investigation, creating a program in the department of health and environment to provide training and payment for such examinations, enacting the Representative Gail Finney memorial foster care bill of rights, applying the federal Indian child welfare act to certain actions under the revised Kansas code for care of children.

CA AB317

Foster care.

KS HB2553

Establishing procedures for law enforcement agencies and the secretary for children and families to follow and use when a child in custody of the secretary is reported missing and requiring the secretary to obtain a nondrivers' identification card for such reports.

KS SB236

Authorizing victims of childhood abuse or neglect to access records related to substantiated reports or investigations of abuse or neglect.

KS HB2628

Requiring the secretary for children and families to release certain information related to a child fatality when criminal charges are filed alleging that a person caused such fatality.

KS HB2207

Authorizing parents of a child who is the subject of an investigation of abuse or neglect or a child in need of care proceeding and victims of childhood abuse or neglect to access records related to such investigation or proceeding.