Bill > HB2132

This bill modifies Kansas law regarding child welfare by revising definitions and procedures for determining when a child can be removed from their home. Specifically, the bill redefines "neglect" to clarify that poverty alone cannot be grounds for removing a child, and establishes more stringent requirements for determining when a child is at serious risk of harm. The bill requires law enforcement to explore alternatives to child removal and mandates that the Kansas Department of Children and Families provide an electronic method for reporting potential child abuse cases and respond within 24 hours. When considering temporary custody, courts must now first examine whether prevention services could keep the family together and must consider multiple factors before removing a child, including whether services could prevent removal or if redirecting a dangerous household member might be sufficient. The bill also limits the circumstances under which a child can be taken into custody, emphasizing that economic hardship, crowded housing, parental mental health conditions, and other similar factors cannot be the sole basis for determining a child is at risk. These changes aim to protect families from unnecessary separation while still maintaining mechanisms to protect children from genuine harm.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

Child Welfare and Foster Care (H)

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