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Minutes for HB2338 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Making comment sessions of the prison review board private.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 20, 2017
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2338.
Audrey Cress testified in support of HB2338 on behalf of the Kansas Department of Corrections. Cress stated this bill provides an opportunity to victims of crime or their surviving family members to privately express their experiences, opinions and feelings in person to members of the Prisoner Review Board (PRB) considering the release of an offender. (Attachment 8)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Kent Cornish testified in opposition of HB2338 on behalf of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Cornish stated news organizations throughout Kansas have covered public statements made by victims and their families as a way to provide all sides of a story and for their viewers, listeners and readers to come to their own conclusions. (Attachment 9)
Ron Keefover testified in opposition of HB2338 on behalf of the Sunshine Coalition. Keefover stated in the name of openness in government and our criminal justice system, we urge this bill be allowed to go no further. (Attachment 10)
Doug Anstaett testified in opposition of HB2338 on behalf of the Kansas Press Association. Anstaett stated they do not arrest, charge and convict citizens behind closed doors, so it doesn't make sense that they would review an inmate's request for release in a closed session. (Attachment 11)
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
