Committee Minutes — HB2589
Thu, Mar 12, 2026

Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2589.

Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions.  (Attachment 9)

Representative Timothy Johnson 38th District, Kansas House of Representatives, provided testimony in support of the bill. He stated this bill seeks to correct the problems of false anonymous reporting and restore a fair balance .  (Attachment 10)

Representative David Buehler, 40th District, Kansas House of Representatives, provided testimony in support of the bill.  He stated there is no recourse today for an individual who has suffered harm by an anonymous unsubstantiated report of neglect or abuse, which is then used as the means to further weaponize these same mandated reports against them. (Attachment 11)

Kristalle Hedrick, CEO, Children's Alliance of Kansas, provided support of the bill.  She states this bill strengthens accountability, supports effective investigations, and helps keep the focus of our child welfare system on protecting vulnerable children.  (Attachment 12)

Tanya Keys, Deputy Secretary, Department for Children and Families, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She states this bill provides clarity around when the Secretary may transmit a report to law enforcement when the reporter does not provide their contact information.  (Attachment 13)

Kerrie Lonard, Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), provided testimony supporting this bill.  She states the OCA appreciated the focused efforts to improve delivery of systems and coordinated responses for child protection and well being.  (Attachment 14)

Written only proponent testimony was submitted by the following.

Proponents stood for questions and further discussion.

Sara Hortenstine, Division Chief, Youth Services, Office of the Attorney General, provided testimony in opposition to the bill.  She asks that instead of advancing the bill , to consider reforms that strengthen intake screening, improve data transparency, and enhance accountability for false reporting without undermining child safety. (Attachment 17)

William Hurst IV, Assistant District Attorney, Johnson County, provided testimony in opposition to the bill.  He stated this bill reduces protections for children and removes a valuable tool for investigation cases child abuse and neglect. (Attachment 18)

Written only opponent testimony was submitted by the following.

Opponent conferees stood for questions and further discussion.

Ed Klumpp, KS Sheriffs Assoc.; Ks Assoc of Chiefs of Police; Ks Peace Officers Assoc., provided neutral testimony.  He stated we must find better was to evaluate reports, especially when the reporter declines to provide their identifying information.   (Attachment 20)

Chairwoman Warred closed the hearing on HB2589.