House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for HB2187 - Committee on Children and Seniors
Short Title
Restrictions on persons interacting with child care facilities.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 9, 2017
The Chair opened the hearing of HB 2187 and requested staff provide a summary of the bill's intent (Attachment 9). Kyle Hamilton noted that those persons volunteering or working regularly at a child-care facility will experience additional background checks for the purpose of prohibiting any person listed under the Kansas offender registration act from interacting with children in a child-care facility.
Lori Steelman, commenting further on the expansion of the bill, indicated that the background check requirements allow protections to reduce the risk of abuse or neglect of children in care facilities (Attachment 10). She reported that the ability to access out-of-state registries provides data pertinent to persons working in a child care facility. Ms. Steelman noted that there are new requirements outlined in the Child Care and Development Block Grant indicating the levels of compliance.
Kim Engleman, speaking as a proponent of HB 2187, told her story of the loss of her 13-month old daughter, Lexie, who died during her third day of attendance at a child-care facility (Attachment 11). She noted that more than 300 persons signed a petition, which was sent to Secretary Mosier, requesting child care provider professional development requirements be implemented for all persons caring for children. Ms. Engleman reiterated her comments on the benefits of the bill and encouraged members, for the safety and well-being of child, to support HB 2187.
Written testimony submitted in support of HB 2187:
Amanda Gress, Director of Government Relations, Kansas Action for Children (Attachment 12).
Sandra Kimmons, Director, Economic & Employment Services, Kansas Department for Children and Families (Attachment 13).
Leadell Ediger, Executive Director, Child Care Aware of Kansas (Attachment 14).
The hearing on HB 2187 was closed.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2017.
