Brief ⁽¹⁾

Sub. for SB 36 expands the Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act to extend coverage to field crops, to update criminal penalties for violations of the Act, and to clarify what actual and consequential damages includes.

Violations of different provisions of the law range from a level 7 nonperson felony if the damage is $25,000; a level 9 nonperson felony if the damage is at least $500 but less than $25,000; and a class A nonperson misdemeanor if the damage is less than $500. Other violations not related to actual property damage range from a level 10 nonperson felony to a class B misdemeanor.

Background

The bill was supported by Senator Morris, the Kansas Corn Growers Association, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, and the Kansas Fertilizer and Chemical Association. Proponents said there was a growing concern regarding radical environmental groups that make systematic attacks on farm and agricultural research facilities, projects, and businesses.

The bill has no fiscal impact.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/fulltext.cgi