The bill enacts the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, which aims to streamline and enhance the process of placing children across state lines in safe and suitable homes. It establishes a cooperative framework among states, detailing the responsibilities of public and private child placing agencies, the assessment and approval processes for placements, and the jurisdictional authority of both sending and receiving states. The legislation emphasizes the importance of ongoing supervision and communication to protect the rights and welfare of children involved in interstate placements. Additionally, it creates the Interstate Commission for the Placement of Children, which will oversee the implementation of the compact, establish rules, and provide dispute resolution.

To facilitate this transition, the bill repeals several existing statutes (K.S.A. 38-1201, 38-1202, 38-1203, 38-1204, 38-1205, and 38-1206) that are outdated or inconsistent with the new compact. The compact includes provisions for penalties for noncompliance and allows for financial agreements to support its implementation. It also outlines the financial responsibilities of member states and the commission, including the ability to levy annual assessments. Importantly, the bill allows for the participation of Indian tribes and emphasizes the binding nature of the compact's rules on member states, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the interstate placement of children.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-1201, 38-1202, 38-1203, 38-1204, 38-1205