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Minutes for SB155 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Adding harboring or concealing a person who has violated terms of probation to the crime of obstructing apprehension or prosecution.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 13, 2025
Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on SB155.
Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 1)
Missi Schoen, on behalf of the Kansas County & District Attorneys Association, testified in support of this bill. She said the proposed changes to the bill will make it a crime when a person knowingly harbors, conceals or aids any person who is 'alleged to have violated the terms and conditions of probation, assignment to a community correctional services program, parole or post release or supervision, conditional release or suspended sentence.' This change will ensure the safety of officers and promote justice. The conferee stood for questions. (Attachment 2)
Megan Milner, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department of Corrections, gave neutral testimony. Family members and support persons may be less likely to allow their home to serve as a residence option for individuals on probation or parole if they could be held legally accountable for that individual's actions. The potential loss of those residence options may increase homeless residence plans and create an additional strain on local community resources. The conferee stood for questions. (Attachment 3)
Jennifer Roth, BIDS Legislative Committee, Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services, testified as an opponent. She said SB155 criminalizes people who had no idea they were committing a crime and discourages supporting people on supervision. The conferee stood for questions. (Attachment 4)
No further conferees.
Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on SB155.
