Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2529.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 1)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions.

Proponents:

Mandy Smith, Private Citizen, shared information concerning a family personal experience and the obstacles of using a Citizen Grand Jury.  She shared that without the ability to appeal the process, the court is allowed to overrule what may be the proper way to handle the case.  (Attachment 2)

Senator Scott Hill, 24th District, shared information about the Citizen Grand Jury process. He shared that as Kansas became a state the early legislatures put a provision in the state statutes that citizens had the opportunity to convene a grand jury when they felt the judicial system was unresponsive to their grievances. This idea was revived a few decades ago. This bill would provide protection to the people who initiate a grand jury and balances the fact that they need to have a legitimate case.  (Attachment 3)

Eric Rucker, Private Citizen, requested that copies of the Citizen Grand Jury brochure be distributed. (A copy of the information can be found on pages 3-7 of Philip Cosby's Written Only testimony.) He testified that based on his experience of being the target of several citizen initiative grand jury petitions, he remains a strong supporter of the process. He believes enacting this bill would provide additional safeguards and guidance for calling and conducting citizen-initiated grand jury proceedings.  (Attachment 4)

The Proponents stood for questions.

The Chairperson drew attention to the Written Only testimonies.

Phillip Cosby, Mid-West Family Action  (Attachment 5)

Matt Bingesser, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General  (Attachment 6)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2529.