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Minutes for HB2293 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Requiring prosecutors to disclose their intent to introduce testimony from a jailhouse witness and to forward related information to the Kansas bureau of investigation.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 13, 2023
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on HB2293. Natalie Scott (Attachment 7) provided an explanation of her Bill Brief.
Proponent
Bay Scoggin (Attachment 8) explained HB2293 would improve transparency and efficiency in the justice system. When everything is done right at trial, there are more accurate outcomes, public safety is enhanced and the innocent are protected. Additionally, there are fewer appeals and less money paid out to compensate those wrongly convicted. This bill would benefit the entire criminal justice system and Mr. Scoggin and his organization would appreciate the membership's support of HB2293.
Tricia Rojo Bushnell (Attachment 9) explained the benefits of HB2293 is that it provides transparency and enhances reliability in concrete way. Each of these categories are explained in detail in her written testimony:
- Tracking
- Enhanced Disclosure Requirements
- Pre-Trial Reliability Hearings
- Jury Instructions
- Victim Notification
HB2293 would provide prosecutors, defense attorneys, and triers of fact with the full picture of a jailhouse witness and better enable the legal system to meet its promise of revealing the truth. Ms. Bushnell urged the membership to pass HB2293.
Clayton Perkins (Attachment 10) explained HB2293 provides for express disclosure requirement and further protections when the prosecution utilizes a jailhouse witness. This is an important step forward in providing a more reliable, transparent, and fundamentally fair criminal justice system for all Kansans. Mr. Perkins asked for the membership's support. He stood for questions.
Written Proponent
Michael Austin, Legislative Director, Americans for Prosperity Kansas (Attachment 11)
Chairperson Patton temporarily suspended testimony on HB2293. Conferees for neutral and opposing sides will be heard on February 15th.
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 4:33 pm.
