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Minutes for HB2587 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Requiring the department for children and families to respond to reports of juveniles with problem sexual behavior.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 14, 2018
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on HB2587. Jason Long, Revisor, provided an overview of the bill (Attachment 1). In response to a question by Representative Humphries, Mr. Long stated that the definition of high risk would be a subjective determination by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). A question was asked by Representative Whitmer.
Chairperson Barker directed the Committee's attention to the fiscal note which estimates the cost of implementing HB2587 would increase agency expenditures by $2.1 million.
Phillip Cosby was recognized as a proponent of HB2587 (Attachment 2) (Attachment 2A). Daily, there are news reports on sexual assaults, sexting, revenge porn involving K-12 and university campuses, Hollywood celebrities, business leaders, entrusted public servants and others. In correlation to that, there is an increase in child-on-child sexual abuse. HB2587 addresses those those issues. Questions were asked by Representatives Highberger, Weber, Horn, and Humphries.
Chairperson Barker asked if there were any more proponents on the bill. Seeing none, he asked if there were any opponents to HB2587. There were none.
Chairperson Barker recognized Patricia Long who provided neutral testimony on behalf of the DCF (Attachment 3). HB2587 mandates that DCF offer voluntary services to alleged minor perpetrators of sexual abuse. This bill's definition of child with problem sexual behavior may be too prescriptive and restrictive to meet the needs of the many different children in DCF custody. In addition, the child in need of care code (CINC) recognizes the serious nature of sexual abuse allegations and provides that those matters should be investigated jointly with law enforcement to ensure the child's safety. The outcome of law enforcement's investigation may limit DCF's ability to work with an alleged perpetrator. Questions were asked by Representatives Horn and Lusk. In response to a question concerning the anticipated cost of $2.1 million in the fiscal note, Kathy Armstrong, Assistant General Counsel with DCF Protection and Prevention Services, stated that the way the bill is constructed does not completely align with current processes in Kansas and could require system changes and implementation of programs that DCF doesn't currently have set up.
Chairperson Barker asked if there were any further neutrals who wanted to testify. Seeing none, the hearing on HB2587 was closed.
