Bill > HB2132

This bill modifies existing Kansas law concerning when law enforcement officers can take a child under 18 into custody, specifically changing the circumstances under which an officer *may* take a child into custody rather than *shall*. Previously, an officer *shall* (meaning they must) take a child into custody if they reasonably believe the child will be harmed if not removed or if the child is experiencing a behavioral health crisis and is likely to harm themselves or others; this bill changes "shall" to "may" in these situations, giving officers more discretion. The bill also maintains that officers *shall* take a child into custody if they have a court order or probable cause to believe a court order exists, or if the child is a runaway, missing person, or a victim of human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation. Additionally, it requires officers to explore other options to separate a child from harm before removal and mandates the secretary of the relevant department to provide an electronic referral system for suspected abuse or neglect, with specific timelines for investigation and response.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

Child Welfare and Foster Care (House)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2132/