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Bill

Bill

HB 2601

Establishing a registry for child abuse and neglect to be maintained by the secretary for children and families, providing for registration and expungement processes that include administrative hearings and opportunities for subsequent appeals, requiring reports of abuse or neglect to include information regarding a custody dispute concerning the child who is the subject of the report and directing the secretary to submit a report to the legislature on such information.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas creates a child abuse and neglect registry with registration, expungement, and appeal processes to balance child protection with due process rights.

Reengrossed on Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2601

Legislative bill overview

HB 2601 establishes a formal registry system in Kansas for documented cases of child abuse and neglect, to be administered by the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill creates structured processes for registration, expungement (record removal), administrative hearings, and appeals to ensure due process protections.

Why is this important

Child abuse and neglect registries are critical tools for child protective services to identify patterns of harm and make informed decisions about child safety and placement. However, registry inclusion carries serious consequences for individuals' employment, housing, and reputation, making fair procedures and removal pathways essential for protecting both children and the wrongly accused.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process safeguards: Concerns about evidentiary standards required for initial registry inclusion and whether current language provides adequate protection against false or unsubstantiated allegations
  • Expungement accessibility: Disagreement over how easily individuals can clear their records—too restrictive may trap innocent people permanently; too permissive may undermine child safety protections
  • Appeal procedures: Questions about the adequacy of administrative hearing processes, appeal timelines, and whether the system provides meaningful opportunity to challenge allegations before or after registration

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

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