House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB125 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Providing compensation to a person who was wrongfully convicted; providing compensation to the heirs of a person who was wrongfully executed.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 14, 2017
Jason Thompson briefed the Committee on the bill saying that it provides for compensation to a person who was wrongfully convicted and compensation to the heirs of a person who was wrongfully executed.
Proponents:
Senator Haley shared his support for the bill (Attachment 7) saying that other states have this legislation in place, and that the bill enacts a mechanism to provide compensation to a person wrongfully convicted.
Chairman Wilborn opened up a brief discussion period addressing terms and other questions concerning the bill.
Michelle Feldman shared support for the bill (Attachment 8) and clarified that there are 32 states with statutes regarding this issue. She continued giving statistics such as 1/3 of people can prove their innocence by DNA. She went on to say that there are two changes recommend: 1.) Remove the bar for those who plead guilty, and 2.) Change the deadline from the current 2 years to "from the time the charges have been dismissed".
Floyd Bledsoe shared support for this bill (Attachment 9) because he is an individual who served 16 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. He continued his testimony by saying that he was let out of prison without anything and therefore could not purchase even the clothes on his back. He pleaded with the Committee to pass this legislation so that other individuals would not have to suffer the same way he has.
During the question and answer period, issues addressed included consideration of compensation statutes from other states. During this discussion, Senator Pilcher-Cook requested information on how Kansas has addressed those issues in the past.
Chairman directed the Committee's attention to the written testimony submitted by Jennifer Roth (Attachment 10) and Rachel Wester (Attachment 11).
Senator Haley asked for a point of personal privilege to thank his intern Johan for all the hard work he has been doing.
Chairman Wilborn closed the hearing.
