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Minutes for HB2049 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Increasing felony loss thresholds for certain property crimes.
Minutes Content for Mon, Jan 28, 2019
Jenna Moyer gave an overview of HB2049.
Executive Director Scott Schultz testified in support of HB2049 on behalf of the Kansas Sentencing Commission. He stated there were four goals accomplish with this change: first, lawmakers nationally have increased felony thresholds to prioritize costly prison space for more serious offenders and ensure that value-based penalties take inflation into account; second, in some cases the district court will have more discretion with the new misdemeanor thefts; third, the collateral consequence of a first-time offender will result in a misdemeanor rather than a felony conviction, which would preclude voting or possessing a firearm; finally, it is estimated the bill would save 2-3 prison beds each year during the ten-year forecasting period. (Attachment 5)
Representatives Resman, Owens, Smith, Carmichael, Highberger, and Jennings had questions and comments. Chairperson Jennings asked what is average the cost of defense services are for a felony crime such as HB2049 addresses. Director Schultz will get the answer to Chairperson Jennings. Director Schultz send an email to Chairperson Jennings which was then distributed to the Committee at the January 30, 2019 meeting. (Attachment 6)
Kim Parker testified in support of HB2049 on behalf of the Kansas County and District Attorney's Association. She stated through the years this body has increased these felony loss thresholds to reflect economic changes and this measure is consistent with that theme. (Attachment 7)
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
Chairperson Jennings adjourned the meeting.
