School Safety and Security Resources

K.S.A. 38-2201 et seq. [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law protects children through the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children, which places a child’s safety and well‑being first. The law encourages early reporting of suspected abuse or neglect, requires quick investigation, and provides services to protect children and support families when possible.

K.S.A. 72-6134 [ksrevisor.gov]

This law limits how Kansas school districts may regulate air guns on school property. The law prohibits districts from banning school‑property activities solely because they involve air guns when those activities are conducted by an organization. While districts may generally restrict student possession of air guns at school, an exception applies for students who are participating in (or traveling to or from) approved organizational activities. The statute also allows schools to require liability waivers for participants or their parents/guardians to protect the district and staff from claims arising from such activities. This section is supplemental to the Gun‑Free Schools laws and aims to balance school safety with permitted, supervised organizational uses of air guns.

K.S.A. 72-6272 [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law allows each school district’s board of education to offer programs that help students deal with alcohol and drug abuse issues. These programs may support students at any grade level and are intended to help identify, prevent, and resolve substance abuse problems that could interfere with a student’s ability to succeed in school. School boards are permitted to contract with outside providers to offer these services and may use district general funds to pay for them. The purpose of this law is to support student health and learning by addressing substance‑related concerns early and appropriately.

K.S.A. 31-144, 31-150, 31-150a [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas fire safety laws require schools to protect students and staff by maintaining safe, code‑compliant buildings. All school buildings must be inspected every year for fire hazards, and any dangerous conditions or blocked exits must be corrected or the building may be closed. New construction, renovations, and portable classrooms must meet state fire codes, life safety standards, electrical rules, and accessibility requirements, with plans approved by licensed professionals before public funds are used. The State Fire Marshal oversees inspections and enforcement, and failure to follow fire safety laws or official orders can result in criminal penalties or court action. Together, these laws help prevent fires, ensure safe escapes, and reduce risks in Kansas schools.

K.S.A. 21-3610a [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law prohibits furnishing cereal malt beverages or alcoholic liquor to minors, meaning no one may sell, buy for, give, or otherwise provide these beverages to a person under the legal drinking age. A violation is classified as a Class B person misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $200. The law provides limited defenses for licensed sellers who reasonably relied on valid‑appearing identification, and it allows a narrow exception for a parent or legal guardian who furnishes cereal malt beverage to their own child with supervision. Overall, the statute is intended to deter underage drinking and hold both individuals and vendors accountable for unlawful furnishing.

K.S.A. 72‑6131 [ksrevisor.gov]

The Kansas Gun‑Free Schools Act supports a safe learning environment by aligning state law with the federal Gun‑Free Schools Act of 1994. It establishes clear definitions for schools, school officials, and what counts as a weapon, including firearms, explosives, certain knives, and stun guns. The law applies to both public and accredited nonpublic schools and provides the foundation for required school policies that prohibit weapons on school property and at school‑sponsored activities. These definitions help ensure consistent enforcement of school safety rules and support disciplinary actions when weapons are brought to school, helping protect students, staff, and visitors. 

K.S.A. 21-4204 [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law makes it illegal to possess a firearm on school property or at school‑sponsored activities, including buildings, grounds, and parking areas used by K–12 public or accredited nonpublic schools. The law applies whether or not school is in session and even if no students are present at the time. Violations are treated as a criminal offense, with penalties that may include fines or jail time. This statute supports the Kansas Gun‑Free Schools Act by reinforcing strict limits on weapons at schools to protect students, staff, and visitors and to reduce the risk of gun‑related incidents on school property.

K.S.A. 72-972 to 72‑3419 [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law provides specific protections and hearing rights for exceptional children, including students with disabilities who receive special education services. These statutes ensure that parents and schools have a fair process to resolve disagreements about a child’s identification, evaluation, placement, or educational services. Families have the right to request due process hearings, present evidence, and receive written decisions from impartial hearing officers. The laws align Kansas procedures with federal special education requirements, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and are designed to protect students’ rights while supporting appropriate educational planning. Overall, these statutes help ensure that exceptional children receive appropriate services and equal access to education, with clear steps for resolving conflicts when concerns arise.

K.S.A. 72-6143 [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law requires school districts to carefully balance student safety, information sharing, and legal protections. The law allows certain student identity and safety‑related information to be shared internally with school staff who need it when a student has been expelled for serious safety violations or has a qualifying felony or juvenile adjudication, with limits on how old the incident can be before reporting is required. Districts must also adopt policies that require immediate reporting of certain criminal acts at school or school‑supervised activities to law enforcement and, in some cases, the Kansas State Board of Education, following procedures outlined in a required memorandum of understanding with law enforcement. The statute requires districts to maintain written school safety and security policies, make them available as required, and protects school employees from civil liability when they report or share information in good faith, ensuring staff can act to protect school safety without fear of retaliation.

K.S.A. 38-2223 [ksrevisor.gov]

Certain professionals must report suspected child abuse or neglect. A report is required when there is reason to suspect a child has been harmed by physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect. Proof is not required—reasonable concern is enough.

K.S.A. 72-6146 to 72-6147 [ksrevisor.gov]

Kansas law authorizes districts to use school security officers and campus police officers to help maintain safety. Districts are also required to adopt and enforce antibullying policies, including procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying behavior.

K.S.A. 72-6141 to 72-6145 [ksrevisor.gov]

These sections require schools to report certain criminal acts to law enforcement and the Kansas State Board of Education. Districts must have school safety and security policies and memorandums of understanding with law enforcement. School employees who report concerns in good faith are protected from discipline or lawsuits, while failure to report or interference with reporting may result in penalties.

K.S.A. 72-6114 to 72-6121 [ksrevisor.gov]

These laws explain when students may be suspended or expelled, who can make those decisions, and how long discipline may last. They require schools to provide notice, hearings, and due process protections, including the right to appeal and clear rules for who conducts hearings. Schools may refuse to admit students who are currently suspended or expelled, and compulsory school attendance laws do not apply during that time.

K.S.A. 72-6114 [ksrevisor.gov] et. seq.

Kansas law sets clear rules for when and how students may be suspended or expelled to maintain safe and orderly schools while protecting student rights. The statutes explain the grounds for suspension or expulsion, who has authority to impose discipline, and the maximum length of each action. Schools must provide notice and an opportunity for a hearing, follow due process requirements, and allow appeals to the board of education. Special procedures apply for hearings, hearing officers, and recordkeeping, and students are not subject to compulsory attendance during suspension or expulsion. Schools may also refuse to admit a student who is currently suspended or expelled. Overall, these laws balance school safety, fairness, and accountability by ensuring discipline is applied consistently and with proper protections.

K.S.A. 41-715 [ksrevisor.gov]

It is unlawful to knowingly sell, give, or provide alcoholic liquor to a person who is incapacitated or intoxicated, which includes minors who are impaired by alcohol. A violation is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $100 to $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both. While this statute focuses on providing alcohol to incapacitated persons, it works alongside Kansas laws that restrict underage alcohol use and access, reinforcing public safety and accountability in alcohol sales and distribution.

K.S.A. 72-6131 [ksrevisor.gov] et seq.

Kansas schools must adopt and file policies that require expulsion for bringing certain weapons to school, with limited exceptions allowed by law. The statutes outline hearing requirements, reporting duties, and annual reviews. In serious safety cases involving weapons, illegal drugs, or violent behavior, students may also face a one year suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Rules about air guns and firearm education programs are also included.