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Minutes for HB2719 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Changing process for collection of debts owed to courts.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 4, 2020
Natalie Scott provided an overview of HB2719. (Attachment 1) Ms. Scott stood for questions.
Proponent
Michael A. Halleran testified in support of the bill. (Attachment 2) Mr. Halleran stated the bill would exempt duly-appointed District Court Trustees from contracting for court debt collection services within the district(s) where they are appointed and where they are overseen by their chief administrative judge. DCT’s have reported, and will continue to report, on their operations to the chief administrative judge, as well as to OJA (pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 20-169), via monthly reporting. This reporting makes regular accounting of their productivity and guards against abuse, malfeasance, or neglect. Mr. Halleran stood for questions.
Opponent
Stephanie Bunten testified in opposition of the bill. (Attachment 3) Ms. Burten stated at a time when debt collection practices are bring publicly scrutinized and the need for oversight is paramount, the debt collectors advancing this bill are asking the legislature to reduce the level of oversight they personally receive. This would exempt them for a competitive process that may drive down the collection fees assessed against debtors and move the process away from standardization in certain area of the state. Ms. Bunten stood for questions.
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing.
