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Minutes for HB2114 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Renaming the joint committee on corrections and juvenile justice oversight in honor of Representative J. Russell (Russ) Jennings and requiring the committee to monitor the implementation of juvenile justice reforms.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 2, 2023
Chairperson Owens opened the hearing on HB2114. Natalie Scott provided an overview. (Attachment 2)
Melissa Rooker, Executive Director, Kansas Children's Cabinet & Trust fund provided testimony in support of the bill. She shared the major restructuring of the juvenile justice system in Kansas is central to his legacy and she could think of no more fitting way to remember him and pay tribute to his service that to rename the committee in his honor and ensure it continues to play a role in the oversight of our juvenile justice system. (Attachment 3)
Written only proponent testimony was submitted by Jennifer Roth, Legislative Committee State Board of Indigent Defense Services. (Attachment 4)
The Chair introduced Russ Jennings' son - Joe Jennings - who was in the audience in the meeting room. The Chair shared Russ Jennings was one of the authors of (2016) SB367 that transformed the way juveniles were treated in the state of Kansas and that his work and legacy will be known in this building for decades to come.
Representatives John Carmichael, Dennis Highberger, Eric Smith, and John Resman shared a few personal experiences and thoughts about their interactions with Russ Jennings.
Chairperson Owens closed the hearing on HB2114.
