Kelly signs bill increasing child abuse offender penalties

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced she signed House Bill 2508, a bipartisan bill that further defines child abuse expands allowable charges prosecutors can file for the crime.

In addition, HB 2508 allows for more specific sentencing based on the severity of abuse, putting the crime of child abuse in line with other severe crimes.

“We owe it to our children to hold abusers accountable and any crime against our most vulnerable should be met with adequate punishment,”Governor Laura Kelly said.

“This bill provides the needed updates for prosecutors to ensure victims of child abuse are granted the same justice as victims of other serious crimes.”

“House Bill 2508 includes a number of provisions that were brought to the House Judiciary Committee by law enforcement, prosecutors, and other stakeholders who are working to improve our criminal justice system,” Representative Fred Patton said. “The bill makes several key improvements to our justice system, including increasing penalties for those who cause harm to our most vulnerable Kansans, our children.  I am pleased that the Senate agreed with these changes and that the Governor is signing the bill so the provisions can become law.”

More information about HB 2508 can be found here.