This bill addresses childhood abuse and neglect by allowing victims to access records related to substantiated reports or investigations of such abuse or neglect. It amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 38-2212 to enhance the principle of appropriate access to confidential agency records, ensuring that information can be disclosed to various parties, including the child involved, their guardians, and professionals involved in their care. The bill also specifies that individuals aged 18 or older who were subjects of substantiated reports can access their records, while maintaining the confidentiality of reporters. Additionally, it establishes that in cases of child fatalities or near fatalities due to abuse or neglect, records will become public, with certain procedural safeguards for affected individuals.

Furthermore, the bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 60-523 to extend the statute of limitations for filing civil actions related to childhood sexual abuse from 13 years to 37 years after the victim turns 18, or three years after a related criminal conviction, whichever is later. This change aims to provide victims with more time to seek justice for the harm they suffered. The bill repeals the existing sections of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 38-2212 and 60-523, thereby updating the legal framework surrounding childhood abuse and neglect in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2212, 60-523