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Bill

SB 414

Authorizing the secretary of corrections to enter into a memorandum of understanding to provide money from the evidence-based programs account to residential facilities with behavioral health crisis intervention services for juveniles.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas allows the Corrections Secretary to fund juvenile behavioral health crisis residential facilities using existing evidence-based program accounts without separate appropriation.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 414

Legislative bill overview

SB 414 authorizes Kansas's Secretary of Corrections to allocate funds from the evidence-based programs account to residential facilities that provide behavioral health crisis intervention services for juveniles. The bill enables the secretary to formalize this funding arrangement through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) rather than requiring separate legislative appropriation.

Why is this important

Juvenile behavioral health crises are a significant public safety and welfare issue. By streamlining funding to crisis intervention facilities, the bill could improve access to mental health services for at-risk youth and potentially reduce involvement in the criminal justice system. This addresses a gap between existing funding mechanisms and the operational needs of specialized residential treatment centers.

Potential points of contention

  • Accountability mechanisms: The bill grants considerable discretion to the Secretary of Corrections without explicit legislative oversight requirements, raising questions about how funds will be allocated and monitored
  • Evidence-based standards: The bill doesn't define what qualifies as "evidence-based programs," which could lead to disputes over which facilities are eligible and how effectiveness is measured
  • Funding source impact: Directing money from the evidence-based programs account may reduce resources available for other correctional programs, creating potential trade-offs not fully addressed in the bill language

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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