Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on SB481.

Dahnika Short, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 1)

Ms. Short stood for questions.

Proponents:

John Goodyear, General Counsel, League of Kansas Municipalities, testified that this bill would provide the necessary legal framework to ensure that competency concerns are identified and addressed in a manner that protects defendants' rights and preserves the integrity of the judicial process.  (Attachment 2)

Brenda Stoss, Salina Municipal Court Judge, testified that this bill would provide the authority for a minucipal court judge to order a compentency evaluation for a defendant when there is a concern about the defendant's ability to understand the proceedings and assist in their defense and protect their rights.  (Attachment 3)

The Chairperson drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimony:

Michael Koss, City Attorney, City of Overland Park  (Attachment 4)

The Chairperson drew attention to the Neutral Written Only testimony:

Laura Nordgren, Executive Director, Kansas Judicial Council  (Attachment 5)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on SB481.