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Minutes for SB174 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Increasing criminal penalties for the crime of interference with law enforcement when the violation involves fleeing from a law enforcement officer.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 8, 2023
Chairperson Owens opened the hearing on SB174. Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill and responded to questions from committee members. (Attachment 1)
Ed Klumpp, Legislative Liaison testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Kansas Sheriffs Association, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Peace Officers Association. Mr. Klumpp said this bill is one requested by their associations in response to increased cases of foot pursuits for persons who are violating the interference with a law enforcement officer statute and has been a concern of association members for years. He shared a few data points regarding the number of law enforcement officers feloniously killed during foot pursuits. In current law, the only action that determines the severity level of interference is the type of crime the person is being sought for at the time of the interference. This bill would recognize the added dangers in a foot pursuit and increase the penalty level of those cases of interference by fleeing on foot from an officer. He said this is one of their priority bills for this year due to the safety factor and they believe these sentence enhancements will make a difference. (Attachment 2) Mr. Klumpp responded to questions from committee members.
Senator David Haley, 4th District, Kansas Senate testified in opposition to the bill. He said an issue with this bill is there will be a greater impact on prison bed space than what the Kansas Sentencing Commission is estimating. Our bed space is at a premium and we should ensure persons who pose the serious threats to society are those incarcerated for the extended period of time. (Attachment 3)
Written opponent testimony was submitted by Laura Stratton, Board of Indigent Defense Services Legislative Committee. (Attachment 4)
Chairperson Owens closed the hearing on SB174.
