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Minutes for HB2738 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Changing criminal penalties for sexual conduct between minors.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 14, 2018
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2738. The Committee had questions and comments.
Representative Highberger testified in support of HB2738 stating the bill attempts to correct some of the draconian penalties under current law for voluntary sexual contact between minors. (Attachment 4)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Randy Masten testified in support of HB2738 believing a grievous oversight in current Kansas law, producing serious and negative lifelong consequences for children. (Attachment 5)
Jennifer Roth testified on behalf the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in support of HB2738 expressing that young people should not be branded and punished as sex offenders for consensual acts. (Attachment 6)
Kim T. Parker testified on behalf of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association in a neutral position of the HB2738 asserted prosecutors are obligated to consider all the circumstances to determine the voluntary nature of the interaction including age difference, physical strength, emotional or intellectual dominance, power, control, coercion, brutality, or repetitive unlawful voluntary sexual interactions by a particular child with the same child or with other children. (Attachment 7)
Written only testimony was submitted by Secretary Joe Norwood on behalf of the Kansas Department of Corrections in a neutral opinion of HB2738.(Attachment 8)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Representative Finch requested information from the Legislative Research Department regarding other states Romeo and Juliet laws. (Attachment 9)
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
