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Minutes for SB200 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Open records act; criminal investigation records; missing persons.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 8, 2017
Chairperson LaTurner opened the hearing on SB 200.
Senator Holland spoke in favor of SB 200. The bill would make available to the public certain criminal investigation records in regards to missing persons investigations, The bill has been very narrowly drafted to only allow for public disclosure criminal investigative records collected 15 or more years ago as they relate to missing for more than 25 years (Attachment 1).
Harold Leach's testimony was read by Vickie Frost. He and his wife support SB 200. Their son Randy never returned home after a graduation party and their family car was never found. The case was never solved after 29 years (Attachment 2).
Vickie Frost supports Harold and Alberta Leach and their steadfast search for their son, Randy (Attachment 3).
Betty Wilson supports the Leach family and their quest to find their missing son even after 29 years (Attachment 4).
Richard Gannon spoke from the audience in support of SB 200. There was no written testimony.
The Kansas Press Association gave its qualified support to the concept raised in SB 200, but they believe the proposed solution falls far short of the mark (Attachment 5).
The law enforcement associations oppose SB 200 because they feel it is risky to go down the path of opening all records of missing persons or other investigation based on the age of the case (Attachment 6).
Leavenworth County law enforcement also opposes SB 200 because of open records (Attachment 7).
The KBI also opposes SB 200 because the protection of the Kansas Open Records Act could be lost (Attachment 8).
