The bill amends the Kansas juvenile justice code to eliminate the assessment of fines, fees, and costs against juveniles and their guardians, stating that no financial obligations shall be ordered in actions under the juvenile justice code. It mandates that any outstanding financial obligations assessed prior to July 1, 2025, will be discharged and not collected. Additionally, juveniles currently under supervision due to outstanding financial obligations will be discharged, and those incarcerated for nonpayment will be released, although restitution owed by a juvenile remains unaffected. The bill also modifies various sections of the Kansas Statutes to ensure that no fees or costs are imposed on juveniles, including booking fees, library fees, and supervision costs associated with house arrest.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a prosecuting attorneys' training fund funded by a $1 fee in criminal and certain juvenile cases, and it ensures that appointed attorneys for juveniles will not have their fees assessed against the juvenile or their guardians. It outlines procedures for infectious disease testing for juveniles charged with sexual offenses, ensuring confidentiality and removing the requirement for juveniles to pay for counseling related to testing. The bill also introduces alternative adjudication options for low-risk juvenile offenders, allowing for less formal processes and immediate intervention programs, while ensuring that no financial burdens are placed on juveniles or their families throughout these processes. Overall, the amendments aim to create a more rehabilitative and supportive juvenile justice system.

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