Bill > SB408

This bill amends the revised Kansas code for care of children to clarify what constitutes a "child in need of care" and to prevent the overreach of child protection laws into age-appropriate independent activities by children. Specifically, it amends the definition of a child in need of care to exclude a child who is engaging in independent activities without adult supervision, provided these activities are appropriate for the child's age, maturity, and abilities, and the lack of supervision does not create a grossly negligent danger to the child's health or safety. The bill also modifies the crime of endangering a child to exclude situations where a parent permits or fails to prohibit a child from engaging in such independent activities, unless the parent has knowingly or recklessly disregarded an obvious danger to the child. This aims to ensure that children are not wrongly classified as needing state intervention simply for exercising age-appropriate independence, such as traveling to school alone or playing outdoors.

Justice

Judiciary (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb408/