Chairperson opened the Hearing on HB2413.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, gave the Bill Brief.   He stood for questions. (Attachment 1)

Proponents:

Representative Dr. Megan Steele, 51st District, testified that these issues strike at the heart of rural livelihoods and threatens the stability of the agricultural operations that sustain our state's economy and rural communities. (Attachment 2)

Representative Kevin Schwertfeger, 114th District, testified that the bill from last year has been refined and presented here today. He shared that there is a need to elevate the severity of consequences for theft to protect the livelihood of Kansas farmers. (Attachment 3)

Dr. Matthew Steele, Director of Legal and Government Affairs for the Kansas Livestock Association, shared that cattle theft is indeed a problem in Kansas. There have been several cases reported recently, across several counties. There could be hundreds of cases that are not prosecuted.  Penalties in Kansas are low compared to neighboring states, which leads to more cattle theft in our state. (Attachment 4)

Jackie Garagiola, Director of Legal and Government Affairs for the Kansas Livestock Association testified that their organization supports this legislation to provide further protection for livestock producers when cattle theft occurs. This legislation would allow for an increase in penalties in order for prosecutors to have incentive to pursue these crimes. (Attachment 5)

Sam Johnson, a Private Citizen on the Board of Directors for the Wabaunsee Country Kansas Farm Bureau and a member of the Kansas Cattlemen's Association, shared that this bill is long overdue. The theft of only one cow can create a loss of well over $15,000 over the life of the animal. He noted that the Kansas cattle population in 2025 was over 5.9 million head, and most are owned by small producers. The loss of cattle or equipment can cause a significant impact on our economy. (Attachment 6)

Conferees stood for questions.

The Chair drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimony.   

John Donley, Kansas Farm Bureau  (Attachment 7) 

Currie Myers, Private Citizen (Attachment 8)  

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2413.