Bill
Bill > HB2589
KS HB2589
KS HB2589Prohibiting the secretary for children and families from accepting anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect, requiring the secretary to inform anonymous reporters of such prohibition and other pertinent information regarding reporting child abuse and neglect and allowing law enforcement agencies to accept anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect.
summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT concerning children and minors; relating to reports of child abuse or neglect; prohibiting the secretary for children and families from accepting or assigning anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect; requiring the secretary to inform anonymous reporters of such prohibition and other pertinent information regarding the reporting of child abuse or neglect, and confidentiality of identifiable information and penalties for false reporting; allowing law enforcement agencies to accept anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect; providing for the confidentiality of reporter information in law enforcement records; amending K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 38-2213 and 38-2223 and repealing the existing sections section.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Kansas law regarding the reporting of child abuse or neglect by prohibiting the Secretary for Children and Families from accepting anonymous reports, meaning individuals must provide their name, phone number, and residential address to report to this agency. If someone attempts to report anonymously, the Secretary must inform them of this prohibition, explain when their identifying information will be kept confidential, and offer alternative resources like community services. However, law enforcement agencies are still permitted to accept anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect, and any identifying information provided to law enforcement in such reports will be kept confidential. The bill also clarifies that mandatory reporters who fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect, or who intentionally interfere with reporting, commit a misdemeanor, and that individuals reporting without malice are protected from civil liability.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Child Welfare and Foster Care (House)
Last Action
Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 02/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2589/ |
| BillText | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2589_01_0000.pdf |
| House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care Report | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/cr_2026_hb2589_h_3775.pdf |
| Analysis - Supplemental Note: As Amended by House Committee | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2589_01_0000.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - Ficsal Note: As introduced | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2589_00_0000.pdf |
| BillText | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2589_00_0000.pdf |
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