Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2688.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment12)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions.

Proponents:

Elizabeth Phillips, No More Victims, testified that this bill is named for her brother, Trey, who was a victim of childhood sexual abuse, was asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) and which consequently led to him taking his own life. She encouraged Kansas legislators to pass this law to protect the children of Kansas. (Attachment 13)

Kathryn Robb, Esq., National Director, Children's Justice Campaign, ENOUGH ABUSE, testified that NDAs were not created for cases of child abuse. Unfortunately, they have been used to conceal the acts of sexual perpetrators and silence their victims, conceal prosecutable crimes, prioritize the reputation of institutions over the safety and well-being of children, and re-traumatize victims by stripping them of their voice and impeding their journey to healing and overall health. She stressed that there is an urgent need for legislative action.  (Attachment 14)

Reverend Benjamin Marquez, Private Citizen, shared concerning his experience while working at a church, and being pressured to sign an NDA, which he didn't sign. He also shared a story of several victims of another man in the church who may have been asked to sign NDAs. He supports this bill to protect children in Kansas.  (Attachment 15)

Dr. Karen Irene Countryman-Roswurm, Private Citizen, shared that she has helped many victims in her professional work, and also experienced abuse herself. Though she was able to get the help she needed, all too often children are not able to get the lengthy and appropriate help. This law is urgently necessary to end the legal retaliation of NDAs.  (Attachment 16)

Tyson Stuart, Private Citizen, shared that his case of childhood sexual assault led to discovery of 29 other victims of the same abuser, with at least one who signed an NDA. Still, almost a year after the findings in the case were released, no action has been taken. He supports the removal of NDAs in cases involving children.  (Attachment 17)

Tracey Barclay, RN, BSN, Private Citizen, shared the experience of their daughter, who was sexually abused five years ago by a teacher at school and the trauma she suffers from. She supports this bill and hopes that it will send a clear message that in Kansas we will not tolerate the concealment of abuse, the silencing of victims, or the misuse of authority in any institution.   (Attachment 18)

The Proponents stood for questions.

The Chairperson drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimonies:

Ashlee Marquez, Private Citizen  (Attachment 19)

Jill Buettgenbach, Private Citizen  (Attachment 20)

Bruce Barclay, Private Citizen  (Attachment 21)

Gina Meier-Hummel, Executive Director, O'Connell Children's Shelter  (Attachment 22)

Tammy Sanders, Private Citizen  (Attachment 23)

Tiffany Reese, Private Citizen  (Attachment 24)

Laura McGrew, Private Citizen  (Attachment 25)

Julie Shaw, Private Citizen  (Attachment 26)

James Jost, Private Citizen  (Attachment 27)

Lynne Hankins, Private Citizen  (Attachment 28)

Jane Buchanan, Private Citizen  (Attachment 29)

Jill Grier, Private Citizen  (Attachment 30)

Kim Borchers, Private Citizen  (Attachment 31)

Maddie Ritchie, MA, LPCA, Private Citizen  (Attachment 32)

Jeff & Denise Bennett, Private Citizens  (Attachment 33)

Dianna Mathews, Private Citizen  (Attachment 34)

Roger Mathews, Private Citizen  (Attachment 35)

Shelley Packard, Private Citizen  (Attachment 36)

Lisa Ritchie, Private Citizen  (Attachment 37)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2688.