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Minutes for HB2052 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Allowing earned discharge credit for people on probation.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 6, 2019
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2052.
Executive Director Scott Schultz testified in support of HB2052 on behalf of the Kansas Sentencing Commission. Director Schultz conveyed the bill represents an attempt to incentivize those offenders that are performing well on probation, which is the goal so they are less likely to re-offend. (Attachment 1)
Representatives Smith, Wheeler, Owens, Delperdang, Carmichael, and Jennings had questions and comments. Executive Director Schultz sent emails to the Committee to address questions from Representatives Wheeler and Carmichael. (Attachment 2) (Attachment 3)
Chris Mechler testified in a neutral position of HB2052 on behalf of the Office of Judicial Courts ( OJA). Ms. Mechler stated OJA estimates that the provisions of this bill could create the need for about 17,000 new hearings each year, at a total annual cost of approximately $385,724-$498,504, depending on the amount of time required for those hearings. (Attachment 4)
Judge Jared B. Johnson, Twenty Eighth Judicial District and Chief Judge Nicholas St. Peter, Nineteenth Judicial District testified in opposition of HB2052 on behalf of the Kansas District Judges Association. They stated the bottom line is judges, court service and community corrections officers are in the best position to determine issues of early termination. (Attachment 5)
Representatives Owens and Wheeler had questions and comments.
Written only testimony in opposition of HB2052 was submitted by Charles Branson, Douglas County District Attorney, Kansas County and District Attorneys Association (Attachment 6); President Chris Esquibel, Kansas Association of Court Services Officers (Attachment 7); and Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 8).
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
Chairperson Jennings has appointed a subcommittee to consider HB2048 and HB2073 because of their technical nature it would be helpful to utilize the expertise of those that serve on the Committee. The subcommittee will include Representative Patton as chair, Representative Wheeler as vice chair, and members are Representatives Highberger, Carmichael and Jennings. The objective will be to offer a comprehensive solution with amendments. Chairperson Jennings will ask the subcommittee to report back on or before February 19, 2019.
Chairperson Jennings adjourned the meeting.
