Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2601. 

Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions.  (Attachment 21)

Representative Cyndi Howerton, 98th District, House of Representatives, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She stated that today a person can be placed on the child abuse and neglect registry without a hearing or opportunity to present their side to a neutral decision-maker.  This bill fixes this by putting due process into statute. (Attachment 22)

Kristalle Hedrick CEO, Children's Alliance of Kansas, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She states the systems that are clear, streamlined, and consistent whelp ensure that children can be safely placed with families and move toward permanency without unnecessary delay. (Attachment 23)

Tanya Keys, Deputy Secretary Department for Children and Families, provided testimony in support of the bill.  She stated they would engage the process to propose new rules and regulations related to this new section for adoption by July 1, 2027.  (Attachment 24)

The proponent conferees stood for questions and further discussion.

Loren Snell, Jr., Acting Director, the Office of Administration Hearings, provided neutral testimony with multiple points.  (Attachment 25)

Kerrie Lonard, Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), provided neutral testimony.  She stated OCA is concerned that an unintended consequence of the bill will result in significant strain on the courts and delays in litigation and timelines that are not consistent with timely permanency in relation to child's time.   (Attachment 26)

Neutral conferees stood for questions and further discussion.

Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on HB2601.