KS HB2589

Kansas Secretary for Children and Families is prohibited from accepting or investigating anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect; reporters must provide their name, telephone number, and residential address

Law enforcement agencies may still accept anonymous reports of child abuse or neglect, and the Secretary must transmit anonymous reports to law enforcement when there is serious physical harm, serious deterioration, or sexual abuse of a child requiring protective action

When someone attempts to report anonymously, the Secretary must inform them of the prohibition, explain when reporter information is confidential under state law, and provide referrals to community services if they remain unwilling to identify themselves

Reporter identifying information is deemed confidential and protected from disclosure, except as provided by the Kansas code for care of children

Secretary must submit annual reports to the House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care and the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight beginning with the 2027 legislative session, covering data on reports received and transmitted to law enforcement