Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2521.
Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 1)
Kristalle Hedrick, CEO, Children's Alliance of Kansas, provided testimony in support of the bill. She stated this bill does not eliminate accountability, nor does it create new immunity beyond what already exists for the state and its employees. It simply ensures that when private agencies are performing state-contracted child welfare functions, that they are treated consistently under the law. (Attachment 2)
Patrick Murphy, Chief Revenue Officer, The Miller Group, testified in support of the bill. He states this bill restores balance between accountability and operational reality and is a necessary step to ensure the continued delivery of child welfare services in Kansas. (Attachment 3)
Amy Harmon, CEO, CALM Foster Care, provided testimony in support of the bill. She stated private child placement agencies operate as agents of the state, carrying out statutory child welfare responsibilities under state policy, court orders, and DCF direction, yet without the same liability protections as a state agencies or employees performing the same functions. This imbalance exposes agencies to disproportionate legal and financial risk, (Attachment 4)
Written only testimony was submitted by the following:
Linda Bass, President, KVC Kansas (Attachment 5)
Erica Case, General Counsel, Ember Hope (Attachment 6)
Proponents stood for questions and further discussion.
Mike Fonkert, Deputy Director, Kansas Appleseed , spoke in opposition of the bill. He stated extending governmental immunity to private CPAs sends the wrong message at a time when performance data demonstrate ongoing instability and safety challenges. (Attachment 7)
Katherine Kirk, Attorney, spoke in opposition of the bill. She stated the foster care system is unique and apart from most government agencies and their contractors. It is not built on administrative paperwork; it is in place to protect and support our children. It should not be exempt from accountability at any level. (Attachment 8)
Steven Ediger, Member, Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, testified in opposition of the bill. He states this bill will not make children less safe and will increase expenses for the State and the taxpayers. (Attachment 9)
Opponent conferees stood for questions and further discussion.
No further conferees.
Chairwoman closed the hearing on HB2521.