The bill amends K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 21-5601 regarding the definitions and penalties associated with endangering a child and aggravated endangering a child. It removes the phrase "the age of" from the age definitions, thereby simplifying the language to state that a child under 18 years of age can be endangered. The bill also clarifies the circumstances under which aggravated endangering a child occurs, particularly in relation to environments involving methamphetamine or fentanyl-related substances. Additionally, it specifies the severity levels for various offenses based on the age of the child involved, with increased penalties for younger children.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that sentences for aggravated endangering a child must be served consecutively to any other prison terms and cannot be appealed. It also includes a provision that protects parents or guardians who rely on spiritual means for their child's treatment from being deemed as endangering the child solely for that reason. The bill repeals the previous version of K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 21-5601, ensuring that the new language is the only applicable law moving forward.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5601, 65-4107