Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Updating Interstate Foster Care Compact
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2557, which enacts the revised Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC).
“This bill builds upon my commitment to Kansas children and families by making necessary reforms to the child welfare system,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In signing this legislation, we are ensuring that children who require out-of-state placement receive the same protections and services that would be provided if they remained in their home states.”
The ICPC governs the placement of children across state lines through foster care, and both public and private adoptions. Under this legislation, Kansas becomes the 21st state to join the updated version of the compact. By moving forward at this time, Kansas also becomes a member of the compact’s rulemaking body – ensuring the state continues to have a voice in protecting the interests of its children, families, and placement providers.
“First enacted in Kansas in 1976, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children has served an important role, but it has not kept pace with today’s child welfare system,” said Representative Cyndi Howerton, District 98. “HB 2557 is a practical and necessary update—modernizing outdated language, strengthening interstate collaboration, and ensuring Kansas children can safely access appropriate placements across state lines. By adopting the revised compact and engaging in rulemaking from day one, Kansas continues to lead in protecting children, supporting families, and ensuring accountability in every placement.”
HB 2557 expands upon the significant steps Governor Kelly has taken throughout her time in office to reform Kansas’ child welfare system. In January 2025, Governor Kelly signed Executive Order 25-01, a first of its kind executive order to reform the allocation of federal benefits to youth in foster care. In April 2023, Governor Kelly signed House Bill 2024, establishing Kansas’ Foster Care Bill of Rights and outlining the rights of foster youth, foster parents, and family care providers.
“By updating the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, we’re taking reasonable steps to connect children in our child welfare system to safe, reliable homes,” said Representative Jarrod Ousley, District 24. “This legislation is doing right by children and families.”
In addition to House Bill 2557, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
House Bill 2711: Modifying and updating procedures for dissolution of cities of the third class, which have a population of less than 2,000 residents.
House Bill 2733: Requiring any person who is a candidate or who has been elected to certain offices shall be and must remain a resident of Kansas or the appropriate district.
House Bill 2433: Reaffirming the state’s authority over the transfer or appropriation of water by explicitly placing such authority, except for domestic use, with the chief engineer and the water transfer hearing panel.
House Bill 2478: Requiring that advanced practice registered nurses and registered nurse anesthetists submit to a criminal history check upon application for a nursing license.
Senate Bill 146: Requiring the secretary for aging and disability services and the City of Osawatomie to execute and record an amendment to the original deed for conveyance of certain real property in Miami County, extending the conveyance to July 1, 2046.
Senate Bill 299: Requiring the Supreme Court Nominating Commission to release certain records under the Kansas Open Records Act.
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