Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2537.
Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 16)
Morgan Moore, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of the bill. She stated any bill, any law, any solution that protects and invests in our children, deserves our full attention and resolve.(Attachment 17)
Marcus Moore, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of the bill. He said this bill could inspire kids to tell their parents if something bad is happening, or if someone is threatening them.. (Attachment 18)
Brad Boettler, Evan's Voice, spoke in support of the bill. He stated that if enacted, Kansas will move from a narrow statute to a comprehensive framework that reflects the true severity of this crime and provides accountability when children are harmed. (Attachment 19)
Brandon Guffey, South Carolina State Representative, provided testimony in support of the bill. He stated that if his son would have known that threats of sextortion was happening to many teens, and that he wasn't alone, and that he was a victim of organized criminal networks, he would be with us today. (Attachment 20)
Jordan Chessher, President, Project Heaven, spoke in support of the bill. He stated this bill includes prevention measures through coordinated education and awareness efforts. Enforcement alone cannot keep pace with evolving online threats. Parents, students, and educations must have access to accurate information and practical tools to recognize warning signs. (Attachment 21)
Tess Sanford Ramirez, Co-Director, Protecting Kansas Children From Sexual Predators, provided testimony in support of the bill. She states this bill lays the groundwork for consistent education statewide. (Attachment 22)
Proponent written testimony was submitted by the following.
Representative Bob Lewis, 123rd District of the State of Kansas (Attachment 23)
Kim Bergman, Co-Director, Protecting Kansas Children From Sexual Predators (Attachment 24)
Ed Klump Legislative Liaison, KS Sheriffs Assoc; Ks Assoc of Chiefs of Police; Ks Peace Officers Assoc. (Attachment 25)
Michelle McCormick, Executive Director for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence (Attachment 26)
Sara Hortenstine, Division Chief, Youth Services, Office of the Attorney General (Attachment 27)
The proponent conferees stood for questions.
No further conferees.
Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on HB2537.
Chairwoman said its not our usual practice to work bills the same day we hear them. However, we had announced yesterday that today might be one of the days that we make an exception. She opened for discussion and possible final action on HB2613, that we heard today. This bill would go nicely with another crime victims compensation board bill, a bill we heard earlier, HB2614.
Dahnika Short provided a brief overview of HB2614.
Chairwoman Warren submitted an oral amendment to insert the contents of HB2614 in the contents of HB2613.
Chairwoman Warren moved to insert the contents of HB2614 into the contents of HB2613, Vice Chair Titus seconded, to adopt the amendment. Motion carried.
Vice Chair Titus moved, Senator Shane seconded to recommend HB2613, as amended, favorable for passage. Motion carried.
Final action on another bill we heard today, HB2651.
Chairwoman Warred submitted an oral amendment to change the enactment date, so we could get this bill into Conference Committee with the House.
Chairwoman Warren moved, Senator Shane seconded to adopt the amendment to change the enactment date. Motion carried.
Vice Chair moved, Senator Bowser seconded, to recommend HB2651, as amended, favorable for passage. Motion carried.
Final action on the other bill we heard today HB2537.
Senator Shane moved, Senator Hill seconded to recommend HB2537, favorable for passage. Motion carried.
Chairwoman Warren thanked everyone for their important work we did this session.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.