This bill establishes a child abuse and neglect registry to be maintained by the Secretary for Children and Families in Kansas, detailing the process for placing individuals on the registry following a substantiated report of abuse or neglect. It ensures that individuals receive notice and an opportunity for a hearing, where they can be represented by counsel. The bill also allows for the expungement of names from the registry after three years or if new information arises. Additionally, it emphasizes the confidentiality of the registry and permits the Secretary to maintain other registries to comply with federal requirements. The bill amends several existing statutes, including K.S.A. 59-2132 and K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 38-2272a, while repealing previous sections and clarifying the Secretary's responsibilities in child custody and adoption processes.

Moreover, the bill introduces stricter regulations for child care and day care facilities, prohibiting individuals with certain criminal convictions from operating these facilities and requiring national criminal history record checks for employees. It establishes a Day Care Criminal Background and Fingerprinting Fund to cover the costs of processing fingerprints and conducting background checks, with the Secretary responsible for setting fees. The bill modifies employment criteria for day care facilities, allowing individuals listed in the child abuse and neglect registry to present information during investigations rather than appealing decisions. It also mandates that individuals must be high school graduates or equivalent to maintain a day care facility, with exceptions allowed by the director. The legislation aims to enhance the safety and oversight of child care services in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2272a, 59-2132, 65-516, 75-7719