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Minutes for HB2639 - Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care
Short Title
Changing the name of juvenile crisis intervention centers to juvenile stabilization centers, modifying the intake criteria and treatment provided at such centers and transferring moneys from the evidence-based programs account of the state general fund for use at such centers.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 9, 2026
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2639.
Natalie Scott, Assistant Revisor gave the bill brief regarding changes to statutes on juvenile crisis intervention centers (JCIC) to provide for juvenile stabilization centers. (Attachment 1) Ms. Scott stood for questions from the committee.
Cyndi Howerton, Representative, District 98, spoke as a proponent and outlined efforts to develop stabilization centers to replace JCIC and meet the needs of youth and families. (Attachment 2)
Kristalle Hedrick, CEO, Children's Alliance of Kansas, spoke in favor of the bill as a meaningful option to detention and traditional institutional placements. She relayed examples where strategies like this may have helped. (Attachment 3)
Jae Hedrick, Executive Director, Gathered Strong, spoke in favor of the bill and sees stabilization centers integrated within the community, not as standalone placements. (Attachment 4)
Kerrie Lonard, Child Advocate, spoke in support of the bill as filling in gaps in the continuum to provide short-term stabilization services with 24/7 availability. (Attachment 5)
The conferees stood for questions from the committee.
Jordan Chessher,Co-founder, Project Heaven, submitted written-only proponent testimony. (Attachment 6)
Gina Meier-Hummell, Executive Director, O'Connell Children's Shelter, submitted written-only proponent testimony. (Attachment 7)
Jeff Easter, Sheriff, Sedgwick County, submitted written-only proponent testimony. (Attachment 8)
Megan Milner, Deputy Secretary, Department of Corrections, gave neutral testimony asking for clarification on definitions as in crossover youth and in available funding. (Attachment 9)
Tanya Keys,Deputy Secretary, Department for Children and Families (DCF), gave neutral testimony regarding definitions used in services. (Attachment 10)
Drew Adkins, Commissioner for Behavioral Health, Department for Aging and Disability Services, gave neutral testimony with concerns about access to medical professionals as well as Medicaid eligibility for payment. (Attachment 11)
The conferees stood for questions from the committee.
Laura Blake Bors, Legislative Subcommittee Chair, Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee, submitted written-only neutral testimony. (Attachment 12)
Brenna Visocsky, Just Campaign Director submitted written-only neutral testimony. (Attachment 13)
Randy Regehr, Director, Kansas Community Corrections Association, spoke as an opponent. He supports the concept of the stabilization centers, but his organization opposes the bill because of mandatory detentions that place low risk youth with high risk youth. (Attachment 14)
The conferee stood for questions from the committee.
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2639.
