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Minutes for HB2583 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Increasing the criminal penalties for harming or killing certain dogs and horses and requiring restitution for such offense to include certain expenses.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 1, 2024
The chair opened the hearing on HB2583. Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
Sheriff Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Kansas Sheriffs' Association and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. Sheriff Easter said the canines are their partners as well as tools that help protect law enforcement from the violent criminals they face everyday. They support raising the severity level and the restitution. (Attachment 2)
Sergeant Ben Jonker, Kansas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police testified in support of the bill. Sergeant Jonker said this new bill addresses two major factors the old bill did not address - it greatly increases the severity of the crime and it allows the department to potentially recoup some of the financial burden of losing a canine in the line of duty. These dogs contribute not only to detecting illegal drugs or apprehending criminals but they also engage with community groups, attend church meetings, and participate in educational activities and they deserve better than what the current legal provisions offer. (Attachment 3)
Deputy Tyler Brooks, Kansas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police testified in support of the bill. Deputy Brooks shared the story of his partner, K9 dog Bane and the impact Bane had in service to law enforcement as well as to his family. Deputy Brooks said K9 dogs are an invaluable resource to detect crimes, locate people, and save lives. The current sentencing guidelines for killing or seriously injuring a police animal are not significant enough for the damage that losing one of these amazing animals causes. (Attachment 4)
Sergeant Ryan Sumner, Lenexa Police Department testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Kansas Peace Officers Association. Sergeant Sumner said these service animals are one of the most important tools an agency can obtain. They are used for a number of different reasons that include narcotics, patrol, apprehension, and explosives. Losing a canine not only comes with great grief, but also with an expensive price tag and lengthy time of replacement. This bill will hold those that decide to kill or disable a working canine more accountable than the current Kansas Statute. (Attachment 5)
The chair closed the hearing on HB2583.
