The "Applied Behavior Analysis Services in School Act" authorizes the provision of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for students with autism spectrum disorder in school settings. It mandates that school districts permit private providers to deliver these services during school hours upon request from a student's parent, as long as it does not create an undue hardship on school operations. The bill requires private providers to undergo criminal history checks and maintain liability insurance, while school districts must develop policies to integrate these services in compliance with existing educational laws. Additionally, it ensures that access to these services cannot be denied based on a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), with costs being the responsibility of the parent or a third-party payor.

The bill also amends K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 22-4714 to include provisions for criminal history record checks for private providers of behavioral health services in schools. It specifies that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) will release criminal history information related to adult convictions, non-convictions, and juvenile adjudications to various state agencies for employment and licensing purposes. The bill establishes confidentiality for fingerprints and criminal history information obtained, which will not be subject to the Kansas Open Records Act until July 1, 2029, unless renewed. It also outlines penalties for unauthorized disclosure of this information and repeals K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 22-4714, indicating a significant update to the legal framework governing criminal history checks in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 22-4714