Adding consideration of whether the offender has physical custody of such offender's minor child or is a legal guardian or custodian with physical custody of a minor child to the factors considered for diversions and dispositional departures.

HB 2326 amends Kansas sentencing laws to require judges to consider whether an offender has physical custody of their minor child or is a legal guardian with physical custody of a minor child at the time of sentencing or the crime. This factor is added to the list of mitigating considerations for both sentencing departures (changes to standard sentences) and diversion (avoiding conviction through alternative programs). The bill applies directly to offenders who are parents or guardians of minor children. It does not alter standard sentencing guidelines but provides an additional factor for judges to weigh in their decisions.