The proposed bill seeks to amend the Kansas juvenile justice code by eliminating the imposition of fines, fees, and costs on juveniles and their guardians, ensuring that no financial obligations are ordered in juvenile justice actions. It mandates that any outstanding financial obligations incurred before July 1, 2025, will be discharged and not collected, and juveniles currently under supervision solely for nonpayment will be released from their programs. The bill clarifies that these provisions do not apply to restitution owed by a juvenile. Additionally, it includes amendments to various sections of existing law to reinforce the prohibition of fees, such as library fees and supervision costs, and repeals conflicting statutes to alleviate financial burdens on families involved in the juvenile justice system.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions regarding offender registration, court costs, and juvenile representation, ensuring that no fees are charged for attorney appointments for juveniles. It establishes guidelines for expungement of juvenile records, mandates that certain serious offenses are not eligible for expungement, and eliminates docket fees for expungement petitions. The bill also outlines procedures for infectious disease testing in cases of sexual offenses involving juveniles, ensuring no fees are assessed for testing or counseling. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the juvenile justice process by focusing on rehabilitation and community-based interventions while removing financial barriers that could hinder access to legal representation and support services.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-16, 20-3129, 21-6609, 22-4905, 28-170, 28-170a, 28-176, 28-177, 38-2306, 38-2312, 38-2315, 38-2317, 38-2328, 38-2331, 38-2346, 38-2348, 38-2360, 38-2361, 38-2362, 38-2369, 38-2373, 38-2384, 38-2389, 38-2380, 38-2396, 38-2399, 75-724
As introduced: 12-16, 20-3129, 21-6609, 22-4905, 28-170, 28-170a, 28-176, 28-177, 38-2306, 38-2312, 38-2315, 38-2317, 38-2328, 38-2331, 38-2346, 38-2348, 38-2360, 38-2361, 38-2362, 38-2369, 38-2373, 38-2384, 38-2389, 38-2380, 38-2396, 38-2399, 75-724