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Minutes for HB2488 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Adding the conduct of intentionally advising or encouraging another person to commit or attempt to commit suicide in the crime of assisting suicide.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 31, 2024
Chairperson Humphries opened the hearing on HB2488. Natalie Scott provided an explanation of the brief and stood for questions. (Attachment 14)
Proponent
Representative Nick Hoheisel referred everyone to his written testimony stating he wished to make more time for others to testify. (Attachment 15)
Jill Janes stated she is working with Representative Nick Hoheisel to present a bill before the committee to make it criminal to encourage another to commit suicide. This type of harassment that ends in self-harm and suicide must be criminalized in order to result in prevention. She has provided, as written testimony, 103 letters from Max’s peers, friends, family, and people from all over the United States that have heard Max’s story, each pleading for change. She asked the membership to take the time to read each one. It is important for them to understand that she is not seeking retribution, there will not be any retroactive consequences for those involved in Max’s situation. She believes this law will be similar to drunk driving laws that are preventative with looming consequences that have the power to alter behavior. Ms. Janes stood for questions. (Attachment 16)
Mason Edwards explained mental health is the defining health crisis of the time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide last year, more than any year on record. 78% of these 50,000 are younger Americans with so much life yet to live. He believes HB2488 has the power to be preventative and it will discourage those who think the right thing to do is assist or persuade others into thinking the only option is suicide. (Attachment 17)
Dakota Crane asked why in the state of Kansas was the person who urged Max Coleman to end his life not held accountable for their actions? She believes because it is not in Kansas law. The fact that it is not already is Kansas Legislation infuriates her. Explaining it seems like common sense that if someone is crying for help and they're pushed to end their life, there should be some accountability? She went on to say, as the world gets darker and more evil, day by day, there is a need to put laws into effect to save the lives, of not only Kansans, but people from other states that do not have these laws put in place. Ms. Crane stood for questions. (Attachment 18)
Joshua Beaux Coleman explained his older brother, Max Coleman, died by suicide on April 14th, 2023 at 21 years old. He was devastated to learn that the evening Max died, Max was receiving harassing texts, urging him to end his life. By passing HB2488, a message will be sent, to all who hide behind screen, that there is a cost to preying on the weak. In doing so, perhaps others in the future will stop themselves from taking similar actions, therefore saving lives. (Attachment 19)
Clayton Pettera stated suicide has become a serious problem for his generation. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for his age group (10-24), and 531 suicides for all age groups in 2020. 531 families. 531 lives taken too soon. That is unacceptable. It is about time to stop sweeping it under the rug and do something about it. This bill is the first step of many to help protect vulnerable individuals like Max. Mr Pettera explained it is why he is joining Jill Janes and Max’s family and friends to push for change. The State of Kansas needs the legislature to act, to prevent this type of loss, and to prevent evil from winning. (Attachment 20)
Written Only Testimony Proponent
On behalf of Max Coleman - 103 letters (Attachment 21)
Ed Klumpp, Kansas Sheriffs Association; Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police; Kansas Peace Officers Association. (Attachment 22)
Lucrecia Nold, Policy Specialist, Kansas Catholic Conference (Attachment 23)
Opponent Written
Emily Brandt, Appellate Defender and Laura Stratton, Capital Appellate Defender on behalf of the BIDS Legislative Committee. (Attachment 24)
Chairperson Humphries closed the hearing on HB2488.
Chairperson Humphries adjourned the meeting at 5:45 pm.
