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District attorney urges expedited permanency timelines for children under 2 in HB 2734
Summary
Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kegue told the Committee HB 27 34 would create an expedited case track for children younger than 2, require permanency goals within 12 months and timelines for prosecutor action and hearings to reduce developmental harm from delay.
A Shawnee County prosecutor urged the House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care to adopt strict timelines for the youngest children in foster care, arguing that delay in permanency can cause lasting developmental harm.
Mike Kegue, district attorney, told the committee he supports House Bill 27 34 because ‘‘cases involving children under the age of 2 have to move on a child's timeline, not an adult's timeline.’’ The bill would create an expedited track for children under 2, set a presumptive goal of a permanent outcome within 12 months of placement unless the court finds a different timeline is in the child’s best interest, and require the prosecutor to file appropriate motions within 30 days after the court finds reintegration is not viable. If a permanency motion is filed, the court would be required to set a hearing within 90 days.
Kegue said the bill is intended to curb delay, venue-transfer practices that reset timelines, and long stretches of uncertainty that he said leave infants without consistent caregivers during crucial early development. He emphasized the legislation preserves judicial oversight while pushing for earlier decision points and accountability from caseworkers, prosecutors and courts.
Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would affect best-interest staffing and whether it would reliably speed related meetings. Kegue said the bill would create consistent expectations and guardrails for the process; members will consider the bill and continue work when the committee reconvenes.
The committee recessed and will resume work Monday to consider final amendments and opponent testimony.
