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Minutes for HB2329 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Increasing the additional prison time for the special sentencing rule related to possessing a firearm during the commission of a drug felony.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 14, 2023
Chairperson Owens opened the hearing on HB2329. Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1) Ms. Scott responded to questions from committee members.
Greg Smith, Special Deputy for Government Affairs, Johnson County Sheriff's Office testified in support of the bill. He said this bill focuses on a problem that is increasing in their jurisdiction - the presence of a weapon during a drug deal. (Attachment 2) There were no questions for Mr. Smith.
Captain Travis Rakestraw, Wichita Police Department testified in support of the bill. Captain Rakestraw said it has become commonplace for drug sales and guns to be connected. This poses an increased risk to officers and justified concerns from citizens with a drug house nearby. (Attachment 3) Captain Rakestraw responded to questions from committee members.
Sheriff Jeff Easter testified in support of the bill on the behalf of Kansas Sheriffs Association, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Peace Officers Association. Sheriff Easter said that we are experiencing more violent crimes related to the sale of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. A large majority of our firearm crime is related to drug sales, purchasing of drugs or conducting robberies to take the drugs or money associated with the sale of drugs. He said we need stiffer penalties imposed to help combat drug sales and the violence associated with these crimes. (Attachment 4) Sheriff Easter responded to questions from committee members.
There was no neutral testimony.
Nick Reinecker, Private Citizen testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Reinecker said that he is against this bill as it pertains to the growing of cannabis on private property and he is in defense of that right. (Attachment 5) Mr. Reinecker provided additional articles for the committee members to read. (Attachment 6) There were no questions for Mr. Reinecker.
Written only opponent testimony was submitted by Emily Brandt. (Attachment 7)
Chairperson Owens closed the hearing on HB2329.
