This bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 38-2212 to enhance access to records related to substantiated reports or investigations of childhood abuse or neglect. It allows individuals who were victims of such abuse or neglect, and are 18 years of age or older, to access information from agency records concerning their cases. The bill emphasizes that this information must not identify any reporters of the abuse or neglect. Additionally, it specifies that in cases of child fatalities or near fatalities resulting from abuse or neglect, the records will become public and subject to disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act, with certain protections in place for the privacy of involved parties.

The bill also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 38-2212, indicating a significant overhaul of the previous legal framework governing access to these sensitive records. The new provisions aim to balance the need for transparency and accountability in cases of child abuse or neglect while ensuring the protection of individuals' identities and the integrity of ongoing investigations. Overall, the legislation seeks to empower victims by granting them access to their records, thereby facilitating their healing and understanding of their circumstances.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2212