Bill > HB2311

This bill aims to protect the religious and moral beliefs of potential foster, adoptive, or custodial parents by preventing the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) from implementing policies that would require individuals to affirm or support governmental policies about sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their sincerely held beliefs. Specifically, the bill prohibits the secretary from adopting policies that would prevent a person from being selected, appointed, or licensed as a foster, adoptive, or custodial parent solely based on their religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill does allow the DCF to consider the religious or moral beliefs of both the child and potential caregivers when determining the best interests of the child. If someone believes the DCF has violated these provisions, they may sue to recover actual damages, injunctive relief, costs, and attorney fees. The department would also be liable for any violations by its contractors, though contractors themselves cannot be sued. Importantly, the bill does not prevent the DCF from making placements that are in the best interests of the child, but it provides additional protection for individuals whose religious or moral beliefs might previously have disqualified them from being foster or adoptive parents.

Health and Social Services

Child Welfare and Foster Care (H)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2311/