This bill addresses the handling of court records in eviction actions governed by the residential landlord and tenant act in Kansas. It mandates that court records related to such eviction actions be automatically sealed, ensuring confidentiality for the tenant and limiting access to only specific parties, including the tenant, the court, and the court clerk. The bill also stipulates that certain violations of this act will be considered unconscionable acts under the Kansas consumer protection act. Additionally, it requires mediation in eviction cases unless the court determines that mediation would not materially assist the parties involved.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the conditions under which sealed records may be unsealed, primarily focusing on the outcomes of the eviction actions. It establishes a process for the automatic expungement of certain eviction records after a specified period, provided that any judgments have been satisfied. The bill amends several existing statutes to incorporate these provisions and repeals outdated sections, thereby streamlining the legal framework surrounding eviction actions in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 60-2617, 61-3804, 58-2540, 61-3806, 61-3807