Bill > HB2329

This bill provides for increased placement of juvenile offenders in non-foster home beds in youth residential facilities, with several key provisions. The legislation requires the secretary of corrections to pay for the costs associated with such placements and authorizes expenditures from the evidence-based programs account to contract for these beds. The bill increases the cumulative detention limit for juvenile offenders from 45 to 90 days and modifies sentencing options for juvenile offenders, particularly those who use firearms during an offense or are repeat offenders. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that certain offenders, such as chronic offenders and younger serious offenders, should be placed in youth residential facilities rather than juvenile correctional facilities. The bill also expands the Kansas Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee's responsibilities to include monitoring the impact and effectiveness of these new placement strategies. Additionally, the legislation allows the secretary of corrections to contract for 35-45 non-foster home beds in youth residential facilities, with no more than 15 beds in a single facility, and requires consideration of regional needs and facility success rates when making these placements. The overall goal is to provide more effective and appropriate interventions for juvenile offenders while potentially reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation outcomes.

Government Affairs, Justice

Corrections and Juvenile Justice (H)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2329/