Committee Minutes — HB2329
Thu, Jan 22, 2026

Chairwoman opened the hearing on HB2329.  With the amount of conferees present, we will split the hearing.  Today we will hear the proponent and neutral testimony.  We will continue the hearing on  Monday, January 26, 2026 and hear the opponent testimony

Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions (Attachment 1)

Proponents in Person

  • Angela Hedrick, Vice President of Operations, KVC Kansas, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She states the bill addresses an important issue within Kansas's juvenile justice and child welfare systems:  ensuring that youth who are adjudicated for serious offenses are placed in settings that are appropriate for their supervision needs and treatment requirements. (Attachment 2)
  • Kristalle Hedrick, Children's Alliance of Kansas, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She states they support the bill for three key reasons:  the bill strengthens prevention efforts for youth exhibiting criminogenic behaviors, before those behaviors result in foster care placements.  Second, the bill expands the continuum of care available to crossover youth. and third, the bill promotes timely and meaningful consequences. (Attachment 3)
  • Erica Case, JD, General Counsel, EmberHope provided testimony in support of the bill. They recommend amended language addressing two or more repeat offenses so that documented patterns of escalating conduct can be addressed earlier, preventing deeper penetration into either the child welfare of juvenile justice system. (Attachment 4)
  • Matt Stephens, Vice President of Advocacy, St Francis Ministries, provided testimony in support of the bill.  He states that the bill should be viewed as an important first step, not a final answer.  It represents a necessary course correction in a system that has allowed child welfare to absorb responsibilities that properly belong within juvenile justice.  (Attachment 5)
  • Gina Meir-Hummel, O'Connell Children's Shelter, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She said this bill promotes timely and meaningful consequences for youth who commit violent offenses, while still allowing rehabilitation.  This bill supports accountability that is developmentally appropriate and paired with services that reduce the likelihood of re-offense.  (Attachment 6)
  • Cornelius Gordon, Private Citizen supports this bill, particularly the provisions that restore judicial discretion and creates appropriate placement for juvenile offenders.  He says accountability must be swift, proportional, and meaningful especially for juveniles. (Attachment 7)
  • Sheriff Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County, Kansas Sheriffs Association; Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, provided testimony in support for this bill.  He stated their interest in this bill is mainly issues dealing with juvenile repeat offenders.  They have several issues identified and suggest amendments.  (Attachment 8)
  • Steve Howe, Kansas County Attorney Association, provided testimony in support of the bill.  He stated this bill seeks to provide options for high-risk juvenile offenders which were taken away during the 2017 Juvenile Justice reforms. He asks that additional language be added to the bill to re-institute a youth residential facility option to use to correct behavior for some of the most challenging at risk youth.  (Attachment 9) 
  • Marc Bennett, Kansas Co District Attorney Association, Supports this bill as it seeks to expand the available options to judges in juvenile offender cases beyond the three options currently available:  probation, incarceration, or a motion to send the offender to the adult court.  (Attachment 10)

Proponents, Written Only:

  • Steve Solomon, PhD, Director of Public Policy, TFI Family Services (Attachment 11)

  • Rachel Mestad, Johnson County Department of Corrections (Attachment 12)

Neutral, In Person:

  • Stephanie Uberall, Council of State Governments Justice Center, Deputy Director, Corrections and Reentry, provided neutral testimony  She discussed the key findings in research and shared the agency and state taskforce approved recommendations  (Attachment 13)

  • Randy Regehr, President, Kansas Community Corrections Association, provided testimony in support of the bill.  They support the effort to provide additional options for justice-involved young people  The bill needs to clearly specify the youth appropriate for placement and that these facilities be saturated with mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services. (Attachment 14)

Neutral, Written Only:

  • Kerrie Lonard, Office of the Child Advocate, Child Advocate (Attachment 15)

Proponents and Neutral Conferees stood for questions and further discussion.

Will continue the hearing on Monday, 1/26/26 for opponent testimony. 

Adjourned.11:54