Kansas hearing on HB 2311 debates limits on Department of Children and Families' placement policies

House Bill 2311 would prohibit the secretary for children and families from adopting or enforcing policies that require a person to affirm, accept or support a policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity as a condition of being selected for out‑of‑home placement, custody, adoption, appointment as a permanent or sole custodian, or licensure.

The bill drew a full hearing before the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare, with proponents warning that some prospective foster and adoptive parents are excluded from care for their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs and opponents saying the bill would expose vulnerable youth to harm and invite litigation that could hamstring child welfare decisions.

Jenna (committee staff) summarized the proposal: "House Bill 20311 proposes a new section of law that would prohibit the secretary for children and families from adopting certain policies regarding the placement, custody and appointment of custodians of children who are in custody of the secretary," and explained the bill's three subsections and the House amendment clarifying that actions would be against the Department for Children and Families and not contractors.

Proponents framed the bill as a narrow protection for otherwise qualified parents. Lance Kinzer, a proponent,…