Hearing called to order on SB 374.

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

Mr. Thompson stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Abby Olson, Assistant District Attorney, Johnson County, Kansas,appeared in place of Stephen M. Howe, Johnson County District Attorney. Mr. Howe sent in the testimony. Ms. Olson presented proponent support of the bill.  (Attachment 2)

Ms Olson stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Nicholas Campbell, Assistant County Attorney, Leavenworth County, Kansas provided information to committee discussion.

Todd G. Thompson, County Attorney, Leavenworth, Kansas presented as strong proponent of the bill. Stated the bill may be one of the most important criminal justice and public safety bills the Legislature considers this session. (Attachment 3)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions and discussion followed

Tara Rieck,-Windham, Private Citizen, told her story of the murder and kidnapping by her ex-husband of her sons, and two daughters October 24, 2020. Testified for the bill to not allow families to experience what herself and family continue to live with for the rest of their lives. (Attachment 4)

Mrs. Rieck-Windham stood for questions and no questions were asked.

G. Kassius Andersen, Attorney, on behalf of Disability Rights Center of Kansas, is an opponent of this amendment to the bill because it violates the individual's right to due process, their right to counsel as presently written. (Attachment 5)

Mr. Andersen stood for questions and discussion followed. 

Shawn M. Boyd, Deputy County Attorney, Leavenworth, Kansas supports the bill. 

Mr. Boyd stood  for questions and discussion followed. 

Chance Berndt, Assistant Public Defender, Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) Legislative Committee provided neutral testimony on the bill. Mr. Berndt's committee have concerns about the bill's potential impact on their agency's ability to provide effective representation for their clients. (Attachment 6)

Mr. Berndt welcomed questions and discussion followed. 

Barry Wilkerson, Attorney, Riley County, Kansas sent Written Only proponent testimony. (Attachment 8)

Jessica G. Domme, Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Division, State of Kansas. Written Only testimony of the bill. (Attachment 9)

Michael F. Kagay, District Attorney, Third Judicial District Of Kansas sent proponent testimony for the bill. Written Only. (Attachment 10)

Scott Brunner, Deputy Secretary for Hospitals and Facilities representing the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services provided Written Only neutral testimony. (Attachment 11)(Attachment 12)

Closed hearing on SB 374.

Chair announced committee will meet Monday, March 16th, 2026 for possible final actions on bills previously heard. 

Adjourned 2:40 pm