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Minutes for HB2392 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Adding household members to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 21, 2019
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on HB2392. Jason Long, Revisor, provided an overview of the bill (Attachment 21).
Chairperson Barker recognized Representative Luis Ruiz as a proponent of HB2392 (Attachment 22). He stated that this bill creates an avenue for accountability mandating an adult member of the household, who is not subject to abuse, threat of abuse, violence or intimidation to report and possibly intervene during the perpetration of child abuse.
The District Attorney of Wyandotte County, Mark Dupree, provided testimony in support of HB2392 (Attachment 23). He stated that this bill is extremely important because it focuses on protecting our children. Giving immunity to those other people in the home who are also being abused by the batterer affords them the opportunity to seek help while protecting themselves from prosecution. This bill also would require the Department for Children and Families (DCF) to make physical contact with the child so that they can assess their safety and well-being. He also would advocate for oversight of home schooling.
Chairperson Barker recognized Kathy Armstrong as a proponent of HB2392 (Attachment 24). She stated the revisor and the other proponents of this bill have covered the contents of this bill quite thoroughly. This bill does add a new category of those who are mandated to report which includes those adults who are living in the same home with the child who may be experiencing abuse or neglect. If this is passed, there will need to be concerted efforts to ensure that the public is informed of this statutory requirement.
The chairperson allowed questioning of the proponents. Representative Arnberger had a question for Ms. Armstrong, and Representatives Houser, Lusk, Resman, and Humphries had questions of Mr. Dupree. Representative Lusk had a question for Representative Ruiz.
Seeing no other conferees, Chairperson Barker closed the hearing on HB2392. He stated he may work this bill tomorrow.
Chairperson Barker asked if there were any further requests for bill introductions. Representative Ruiz requested firearm relinquishment orders, 19RS1278. Seeing no objection, the request was accepted.
Chairperson Barker stated that tomorrow he intends to reintroduce the APRN bill, as soon as he gets the RS number.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairperson Barker adjourned the meeting at 10:31 a.m.
