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Minutes for HB2253 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Making the theft of livestock or implements of husbandry a severity level 5, nonperson felony.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 13, 2025
Chair Humphries opened the hearing on HB2253 at 5:32pm.
Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, gave the bill brief. (Attachment 21)
Proponents:
Representative Kevin Schwertfeger, 114th District, gave an explanation of bill and the seriousness of the theft situations in rural communities that have led to the need for stronger penalties. He informed the committee that he has an amendment ready which he plans to present when the bill is worked. (Attachment 22)
Ron Seeber, on behalf of Randy Stookey, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel of Kansas Grain & Feed Association, testified that the Association is in favor of the bill. There is a great need to have more severe prosecution of these crimes. (Attachment 23)
Sheriff Jeff Easter, Kansas Sheriffs Association, shared details of the financial severity of thefts in rural Kansas. (Attachment 24)
Representative Megan Steele, 51st District, testified that theft has a devastating effect on farmers in Kansas. Crimes are considered only a misdemeanor and recovery from these crimes is difficult. There is a need for a stiffer penalty. (Attachment 25)
Jackie Garagiola, Kansas Livestock Association, testified that livestock theft is a huge problem in KS, with increasing difficulty to prosecute the crimes under the current laws. (Attachment 26)
James Pinegar (and Josh Winkler), Kansas Office of Attorney General, shared case examples and the low penalties the criminals were subject to. These serious offenses create problems for farmers, bankers, and citizens of Kansas. (Attachment 27)
Matthew T. Steele, Kansas Cattlemen's Association, testified that theft not only affects producers, but also consumers. Theft of livestock is also becoming a larger problem in urban areas. (Attachment 28)
Discussion and questioning ensued.
Chair Humphries drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimony.
Shahira Stafford, Kansas Cooperative Council (Attachment 29)
Alan Woodard, Kanza Coop Association (Attachment 30)
Brice Elnicki, Ag Partners Cooperative (Attachment 31)
Sheriff Jimmy White, Pratte County, Kansas (Attachment 32)
Sheriff Darrian Campbell, Reno County, Kansas (Attachment 33)
Jared Glenn, Private Citizen (Attachment 34)
Craig Sepich, National Insurance Crime Bureau (Attachment 35)
Chair Humphries closed the hearing on HB2253 and adjourned the meeting.
