This bill amends the licensure requirements for family foster homes in Kansas, specifically under K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 65-516. It mandates that the Secretary for Children and Families must license or allow the maintenance of licensure for family foster homes when certain individuals reside in those homes, including those who were previously in the custody of the secretary. The bill also establishes an appeal process for family foster homes that are denied licensure. Notably, it removes the previous requirement that the Secretary must determine there is no safety concern before licensing a family foster home with a juvenile offender residing in it, and it allows for the licensing of individuals aged 18 to 26 who were previously in custody.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for conducting national criminal history record checks on employees in child care facilities, including the requirement for fingerprinting. It creates a Child Care Criminal Background and Fingerprinting Fund to cover the costs associated with these checks. The bill also clarifies that child care facilities and their employees will not be liable for civil damages when refusing employment based on compliance with the new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and oversight of family foster homes while providing a clearer framework for licensure and appeals.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-516