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Minutes for SB425 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Directing the Kansas department for children and families to share certain information with investigating law enforcement agencies.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 15, 2022
Chairperson Hilderbrand opened the hearing on SB425.
Jenna Moyer, Staff Revisor gave an overview of the bill.
Laura Howard stated in her proponent testimony that SB425 clarifies the exchange of information related to investigations of child abuse between the department and law enforcement agencies and directs DCF to release certain information to said agencies. The new language compels DCF to disclose all confidential records to law enforcement of a child alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care when law enforcement is investigating a report of neglect or abuse. Law enforcement is also required to provide information to DCF during the course of any joint investigations. (Attachment 1)
Ed Klumpp gave proponent testimony for SB425. He testified that the changes proposed in SB425 are a very necessary and a critical step to assure the gap in information exchange is fixed and clearly established in statute. Mr. Klumpp also spoke of the need for an amendment that would add "name and contact information of the reporter or persons alleging abuse or neglect and case managers, investigators or contracting agency employees assigned to or investigating such report." on page 6, line of subsection (e). (Attachment 2)
Scott Zimmerman testified in his support of SB425 that it directly addresses the shortcomings of current statutory language. At the current time when law enforcement receives a report, there is often information which is redacted which is crucial to a proper investigation. (Attachment 3)
They took questions from committee members.
Written only, proponent testimony was submitted by:
Rachel Marsh, Children's Alliance of Kansas. (Attachment 4)
Chairperson Hilderbrand closed the hearing on SB425.
