Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB145

Introduced

2/3/25

Refer

2/4/25

Caption

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.

Impact

The introduction of SB145 is expected to bring significant changes to the existing protocols surrounding abuse and neglect reporting. By requiring immediate notifications, the bill seeks to streamline the processes that currently may cause delays in law enforcement's involvement in urgent cases. This change could lead to more timely interventions, potentially reducing the duration of time that vulnerable children remain in unsafe situations. Furthermore, SB145 may necessitate training for personnel involved in reporting to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Summary

SB145 aims to enhance the reporting mechanisms for incidents of abuse and neglect by mandating immediate notification of any such reports to law enforcement agencies. This bill represents a proactive approach to child protection, ensuring that law enforcement is promptly alerted to potential cases of abuse, thereby facilitating quicker interventions. The framework laid out in the bill emphasizes the sharing of information between child welfare entities and law enforcement to improve response times and coordination.

Conclusion

Overall, SB145 reflects a significant legislative effort to enhance child welfare protections and improve the responsiveness of law enforcement in cases of abuse and neglect. As the bill progresses, discussions among lawmakers, child welfare advocates, and law enforcement agencies will be crucial to address concerns related to the practicality and efficacy of its provisions.

Contention

While the intent behind SB145 is to strengthen reporting processes, there are potential concerns regarding the implementation of these requirements. Some advocates worry that the immediate reporting mandate may overwhelm law enforcement agencies and create a backlog of cases, particularly if there are numerous reports made without sufficient evidence. Additionally, the bill could raise questions about the balance between child confidentiality and the need to disclose sensitive information to law enforcement.

Latest SB145 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB87

Requiring a duly ordained minister of religion to report certain abuse and neglect of children.

KS HB2300

Requiring a duly ordained minister of religion to report certain abuse and neglect of children except when reporting would violate the penitential communication privilege.

KS HB2034

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.

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 HB2673

Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules and prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.

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.

KS HB2396

Requiring a criminal conviction for civil asset forfeiture and proof beyond a reasonable doubt that property is subject to forfeiture, remitting proceeds to the state general fund and requiring law enforcement agencies to make forfeiture reports more frequently.

KS SB237

KS HB2021

Requiring the secretary for children and families to assess certain children and the secretary of corrections to provide certain services to juveniles in detention, changing the criteria used to refer and admit juveniles to a juvenile crisis intervention center, allowing evidence-based program account money to be used on certain children, requiring the department of corrections to build data systems and allowing for overall case length limit extensions for certain juvenile offenders.

Similar Bills

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.