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Minutes for SB188 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Requiring a secured release for release prior to trial when a person is charged with certain offenses and creating a mechanism for unsecured judicial release.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 13, 2025
Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on SB188
Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 14)
Stephen Owens, Kansas Senator, District 31, provided testimony in support of the bill. He stated this bill accomplishes two important things. It clarifies that the accused is being released on Unsecured Judicial Release and it clarifies that there are specific crimes that do not qualify for Unsecured Judicial Release. (Attachment 15)
Shane Rolf, Vice President, Kansas Bail Agents Association, supports this bill. He states the last 4 years have seen a wave of 'Bail Reform' legislation resulting in increased crime and loss of respect for the criminal justice system. SB188 represents common sense restrictions on unsecured release. (Attachment 16)
Proponent conferees stood for questions.
Jennifer Roth, BIDS Legislative Committee, Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services, provided neutral testimony. It has long been the law of Kansas that conditions of release are to 'assure the appearance of person... and to assure the public safety'. Despite our concerns with the bill, it does propose a positive change to the law. (Attachment 17)
Neutral conferee stood for questions.
No further conferees.
Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on SB188.
