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Minutes for HB2439 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Creating an additional crime of involuntary manslaughter for certain violations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 18, 2018
Natalie Scott, Revisor, gave an overview of HB2439. The Committee had questions and comments.
Ed Klumpp testified on behalf of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriffs' Association, and Kansas Peace Officers Association in support of HB2439. Mr. Klumpp stated the bill is designed to address the worst results of this growing negative DUI trend, needless deaths of innocent people at the hands of a DUI offender currently under a DUI related administrative sanction of their driving privileges. (Attachment 1)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Blair Gordon testified in support of HB2439 and conveyed the anger and pain at the loss of her friend because someone wanted to drink and drive again. Ms. Gordon is hopeful this bill will prevent another senseless tragedy. (Attachment 2)
Kevin and Patricia Vogel testified in support of HB2439 as a chance to hold accountable those drivers who have a blatant disregard for the restrictions placed upon them for the privilege of driving after a DUI conviction. Mrs. Vogel expressed the heartbreak of losing a child to the senseless act of drunk driver. (Attachment 3)
Written testimony in support of HB2439 was submitted by Kim T. Parker on behalf of Kansas County & District Attorneys Association (Attachment 4) and Peggy Bizal whose niece, Caitlin Vogel, was killed by a drunk driver (Attachment 5).
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
Representative Whitmer proposed to suspend the rules and take final action on HB2439 today. After discussion it was decided to take final action next week. Representative Weigel asked Natalie Scott if this was a law in other states. The staff said they would research and get back to the Committee with the answer.
Chairperson Jennings adjourned the meeting.
