Hearing was open on SB459.

Jason Thompson, Revisor of Statutes presented the bill as amended by the Senate.(Attachment 1)

Jason stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Jordan Chessher, President, Project Heaven Child Advocacy. Mr. Chessher supported the bill. Organization advocates for child sex and abuse cases. (Attachment 2)

Mr. Chessher stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Steve Kearney, Executive Vice President, Kansas State Highway Patrol Troopers Association. Mr. Kearney supports the bill.  Strongly disagreed that bed space in prison should never be a factor to consider parole for an inmate. (Attachment 3)

Mr. Kearney stood for questions. Discussion followed. 

Sheriff Jeff Easter, Kansas Sheriff Association supports the bill and amendments to the bill. Mr. Easter reminded committee law enforcement are not the only victims of crimes when people released from prison and re offend communities. (Attachment 4)

Mr. Easter stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Emily Brandt, Criminal Defense Attorney opposes the proposed changes to the Prisoner Review Board's membership decrease balanced, professional decision making.  Ms Brandt stated the time to add members to parole board may take longer than the proposed time line. Ms. encouraged two boards need to be created, post release and parole board. Ms. Brandt questions cost of fiscal note of the bill and if members of board are employers of the state? (Attachment 5) 

Ms. Brandt stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Chair asked Jason Thompson, Revisior of Statutes asked when the new board members would be assigned according to the bill amendments. Also asked if and how new board members would employees of Kansas Department of Corrections. 

Mr. Thompson stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Mr. Kearney, Executive Vice President, Kansas State Highway Patrol Troopers Association,  stood to answer more questions from the committee. Mr. Kearney stated goal of the bill and amendment is to add two more members to a board and board to prevent re offenders be released that commit more crimes in communities. 

Mr. Kearney stood for additional questions and discussion followed. 

Lindsie Ford, Senior Assistant Public Defender, BIDS Legislative Committee. Ms. Ford provided neutral testimony. Ms. Ford concerned of the time line to form board and recruit qualified members. (Attachment 6)

Chair stated there will be amendments to the bill.

Prior committee minutes have been sent out to committee for approval. 

Hearing was closed on SB459.

Meeting adjourned 2:38 p.m.