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Minutes for HB2216 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Removing the mandatory term of imprisonment as a penalty for driving with license that is canceled, suspended or revoked for failure to pay fines.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 7, 2023
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on HB2216. Natalie Scott (Attachment 6) provided an explanation of the Bill Brief.
Proponent
Kelly Trussell (Attachment 7) stated they work hard at the City to provide an equitable judicial system; however, continually, we see a reoccurring issue that does not seem equitable and excessively punitive. They brought this issue to their Governing Body who included it in this year’s legislative agenda and is now in front of you today. Removal of the mandatory jail sentences for driving on a suspended license is a sensible step to increasing the number of citizens achieving the goal of correcting the violations and reinstating their licenses to a valid status. This offense will continue to be a misdemeanor and we have full faith that the discretion over sentencing can be appropriately handled at the municipal level, on a case-by-case basis, without mandatory imprisonment. Ms. Trussell urged the membership to pass HB2216 to the full House for its consideration and I am happy to stand for questions.
John Goodyear (Attachment 8) stated HB2216 would remove the mandatory term of imprisonment for those individuals convicted of driving on a suspended license if their license was suspended for failure to pay fines. This legislation is narrowly tailored and well poised to help those individuals in our state that struggle to make ends meet. The League supports efforts aimed at addressing cycles of recidivism and indigency in our communities. HB2216 is legislation drafted with those cycles in mind and with the goal of creating a more equitable justice system throughout our state. Mr. Goodyear stood for questions.
Ed Klumpp (Attachment 9) explained HB2216 will remove the mandatory jail sentence for driving while suspended if the suspension was solely for fail to appear/fail to pay as provided in KSA 8-2110. It does not change the sentence for driving related suspensions. His organizations believe this change makes sense and they encourage the membership to pass the bill favorably. Mr. Klump stood for questions.
Written Proponent
Shawn R. DeJarnett, City Attorney & Prosecutor, City of Wellington (Attachment 10)
Marilyn Harp, Citizen Lobbyist (Attachment 11)
Michael Koss, Deputy City Attorney, City of Overland Park (Attachment 12)
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2216.
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 5:20 pm.
