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Minutes for HB2050 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Amending available sanctions for violation of condition of postrelease supervision.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 5, 2019
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2050.
Executive Director Scott Schultz testified in support of HB2050 on behalf of the Kansas Sentencing Commission. Director Schultz stated the bill was introduced by the Commission to roll back the 2013 provisions of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) insofar as the 120 and 180-day prison sanctions are concerned. (Attachment 3)
Representative Jennings had comments and questions.
Director Glenda Martens testified in opposition of HB2050 on behalf of the Sedgwick County, Division of Corrections. Director Martens stands in opposition to HB2050 because the jail confinement provisions as proposed in this bill impose an unfunded mandate on local governments in this state. (Attachment 4)
Representative Carmichael had questions and comments.
Sheriff Jeffrey T. Easter testified in opposition of HB2050 on behalf of the Kansas Sheriff's Association. Sheriff Easter opposed this bill from three positions: 1) position is the removal of the 120 and 180 day sanctions that are currently served in Kansas Department of Corrections custody; 2) centered on the public safety aspect; and 3) other bills that could be introduced about "Prison Reform". (Attachment 5)
Representative Carmichael had questions and comments.
Special Deputy Greg Smith testified in opposition of HB2050 on behalf of the Johnson County Sheriff's Association. Deputy Smith maintained the bill doesn't change the number of revocations, but changes the way they are handled, that does not follow what evidence based practices suggest are the best practices. He stated this prevents judges from using a tool - a graduated sanction. (Attachment 6)
Kim Parker testified in opposition of HB2050 on behalf of the Kansas County and District Attorney's Association. Ms. Parker claimed it fails to fix the problems and instead merely shifts the cost to the local community and local sheriff. (Attachment 7)
Written only testimony in opposition of HB2050 was submitted by Honorable Merlin G. Wheeler, Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial District (Attachment 8) and Jay Hall on behalf of the Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 9).
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
Chairperson Jennings stated he was considering assigning a subcommittee to look at the 2 bills dealing with sentencing fixes.
Chairperson Jennings adjourned the meeting.
