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Minutes for HB2469 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Extending terminal medical release to inmates in the custody of the department of corrections with a condition likely to cause death within 90 days.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 3, 2020
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2469.
Representative Dennis Highberger testified in support of HB2469. He stated he initially asked that the Sentencing Commission propose a more expansive medical and compassionate release policy, similar to the criteria applicable to federal prisoners that were adopted as part of the First Step Act of 2019. (Attachment 3)
The Committee had questions.
Executive Director Scott Schultz on behalf of the Kansas Sentencing Commission testified in support of HB2469. He state a number of well-documented reasons support a robust use of early release. (Attachment 4)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Clayton Perkins on behalf of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in support of HB2469. He stated the bill helps provide the possibility of compassionate release for inmates in the final stages of terminal illness. (Attachment 5)
Austin Spillar on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas testified in support of HB2469. He stated the bill is good policy in that it affirms the fact that people who are facing death due to a terminal illness no longer pose a public safety risk to the community. (Attachment 6)
Written testimony in a neutral position of HB2469 was submitted by Randall Bowman on behalf of Kansas Department of Corrections. (Attachment 7)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
