WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 428

Requiring the secretary for children and families and the secretary of health and environment to execute a memorandum of understanding, data use agreement or other written data-sharing instrument upon written request of the United States department of agriculture or the United States department of health and human services and comply with data requests from such federal agencies.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas must comply with federal data requests from USDA and HHS by establishing data-sharing agreements with state children and family agencies.

Died in Committee
#childrenandfamilies #departmentfor #healthandenvironment #departmentof
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 428

Legislative bill overview

SB 428 requires Kansas state officials to establish formal data-sharing agreements and comply with data requests from federal agencies (USDA and HHS) upon request. The bill mandates that the Secretary for Children and Families and Secretary of Health and Environment execute memoranda of understanding or similar instruments to facilitate this federal data access.

Why is this important

Data-sharing between state and federal agencies affects millions of Kansans who receive benefits or services (SNAP, Medicaid, child welfare, etc.). This bill clarifies state obligations to share administrative data with federal authorities, which can improve program coordination, fraud detection, and eligibility verification—but also raises questions about data privacy and state autonomy in managing sensitive records.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy and security: Concerns about whether adequate safeguards exist to protect sensitive personal information (health records, family circumstances, benefit eligibility) during transfers to federal agencies
  • State sovereignty: Whether mandating compliance with federal data requests limits Kansas's ability to control how its residents' information is used and shared across government systems
  • Scope and oversight: The bill's language ("upon written request") may be vague about what requests must be fulfilled, potential limits on data sharing, or oversight mechanisms to ensure only appropriate data is shared

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

Sign in to ask a question.