Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2594.

Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 13)

Todd Thompson, County Attorney, Leavenworth Justice Center, provided testimony in support of the bill.  His testimony indicated passing this legislation will close a dangerous loophole, ensuring that no child in Kansas can be exploited through threats involving sexually explicit images, whether real, fake or AI-generated.   (Attachment 14)

Tabitha Owen, Smith County Attorney, supports this bill.  She asks that the proposed bill be passed to ensure that children in Kansas are better protected from harm and exploitation.  (Attachment 15)

Joshua Steward, Assistant District Attorney on behalf of Marc Bennett, District Attorney, Eighteenth Judicial District and the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, provided testimony in support of the bill.  He stated to better protect victims of blackmail in all of its traditional and modern methods and meaning by working this bill, with certain modifications, that he outlined in his written testimony. (Attachment 16)

Written only proponent testimony was submitted by the following.   

• Ed Klumpp, KS Sheriffs Assoc; KS Assoc. of Chiefs of Police; KS Peace Officers Assoc. (Attachment 17)

No further conferees.

Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on HB2594.

Meeting adjourned 11:47 a.m.