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Minutes for HB2782 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Authorizing the secretary of corrections to use hypoxia for the purpose of carrying out a sentence of death and requiring the district court to issue a warrant to the secretary of corrections to carry out a sentence of death.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 15, 2024
Chairperson Humphries opened the hearing on HB2782.
Natalie Scott provided an overview of HB2782. She stood for questions. (Attachment 6)
Proponents
Attorney General Kris Kobach testified in support of HB2782 by noting the difficulty in procuring substances needed for lethal injection. He stated many states have adopted similar legislation. (Attachment 7)
Deputy Attorney General Victor Braden testified in support of HB2782. He stated HB2782 would provide for a modern mode of execution. (Attachment 8)
Greg Smith testified in support of HB2782 by stating HB2782 would allow executions to take place despite the shortage of drugs. (Attachment 9)
Marc Bennett, Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of HB2782. He stated HB2782 would clarify existing legislation. (Attachment 10)
Director Tony Mattivi, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, testified in support of HB2782 by noting the delay of executions being caused by a shortage of necessary drugs. (Attachment 11)
Jennifer Aldrige testified in support of HB2782 by calling attention to the delay in justice that HB2782 could rectify. (Attachment 12)
Lynn Denton testified in support of HB2782 by noting the delay in executions that would be solved by HB2782. (Attachment 13)
Missey Smith testified in support of HB2782 by stating that it would allow for the families of victims to receive closure.(Attachment 14)
The proponents stood for questions.
Proponent Written Only Testimony
Dylan Smith, Private Citizen (Attachment 15)
Ed Klumpp, Kansas Sheriff's Association. (Attachment 16)
Julie Mattox, Private Citizen.(Attachment 17)
Heath Samuels, Private Citizen (Attachment18)
Opponents
Chuck Weber, Kansas Catholic Conference, testified in opposition to HB2782 by stating HB2782 does not respect human dignity nor the sanctity of life. (Attachment 19)
Donna Schneweis, Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty, testified in opposition to HB2782. by noting the potential issues with alternative methods of execution. (Attachment 20)
Heather Cessna, Kansas State Board of Indigents Defense Services, testified in opposition to HB2782 by stating HB2782 would worsen the defense attorney shortage. (Attachment 21)
Floyd Bledsoe testified in opposition to HB2782 by noting the potential harm to wrongfully convicted individuals. (Attachment 22)
Dr. Joel B. Zivot testified in opposition to HB2782. Stated the bill was vague. Also noted that potential methods of execution could be considered inhumane. (Attachment 23)
Dora Schriro testified in opposition to HB2782 by stating that it could lead to cruel and unusual punishments. (Attachment 24)
Brandon Barrett and Caroline Zuschek, gave opponent testimony. (Attachment 25)
Kelson Bohnet testified in opposition to HB2782.The conferee stated HB2782 would serve to cause uncertainty. Also noted the potential constitutional issues HB2782 may pose. (Attachment 26)
Rebecca Woodman testified in opposition to HB2782 by stating alternative execution methods would be inhumane. (Attachment 27)
Sister Annie Loendorf testified in opposition to HB2782 by stating opposition to the death penalty and noting alternative execution methods could be considered inhumane. (Attachment 28)
The opponents stood for questions.
Opponent Written Only Testimony
Doctors Philip Bickler & Michael Lipnik (Attachment 29)
Rashane Hamby, American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas (Attachment 30)
Bay Scroggin, Midwest Innocence Project (Attachment 31)
Celeste Dixon, Private Citizen (Attachment 32)
Cille King, League of Woman Voters (Attachment 33)
Jeffrey Dazey & Keith Edwards, Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Attachment 34)
Dr. Lara L. Giordano (Attachment 35)
Sean O'Brien, Attorney, Private Citizen (Attachment 36)
Robert M. Grass (Attachment 37)
Sr. Mary Lex Smith, Private Citizen (Attachment 38)
Matthew Clark, Libertarian Party of Kansas (Attachment 39)
Chairperson Humphries closed the hearing on HB2782.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:04 P.M.
