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Minutes for HB2484 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Increasing good time credits for certain offenders.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 3, 2020
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2484.
The Committee had questions and comments.
Executive Director Scott Schultz on behalf of the Kansas Sentencing Commission in support of HB2484. He stated as a result of this amendment to K.S.A. 21-6821, the Sentencing Commission estimates that major bed savings will occur with 150 prison beds in FY 2021 and an unprecedented 2,020 prison beds by FY 2030. (Attachment 8)
The Committee had questions and comments. Representatives Owens, Wheeler, and Carmichael asked questions that Executive Director Schultz would get the answers for them later.
Executive Director Scott Schultz provided answers to the Committee thru an email sent on February 5, 2020 with attached documents. (Attachment 9) (Attachment 10) (Attachment 11) (Attachment 12)
Clayton Perkins on behalf of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in support of HB2484. He stated the bill would be a very good start for getting our prison population problem under control. (Attachment 13)
Austin Spillar on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas testified in support of HB2484. He stated the bill is a positive step toward alleviating the prison overcrowding crisis in our state. (Attachment 14)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Written testimony in a neutral position of HB2484 was submitted by Randall Bowman on behalf of Kansas Department of Corrections. (Attachment 15)
Ed Klumpp on behalf of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriffs Association, and Kansas Peace Officers Association testified in opposition of HB2484. He stated the bill appears to have no consideration allowed for the seriousness of the crime, as in the current statutes, or for the victims. (Attachment 16)
Mr. Klumpp, also, testified on behalf of Sheriff Jeff Easter in opposition of HB2484. Sheriff Easter was not able to attend the Committee. Mr. Klumpp stated the bill would cause inmates to earn 50% good time credit regardless of the crime committed. (Attachment 17)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Kim Parker on behalf of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association testified in opposition of HB2484. She stated while the association is mindful of the current stress upon the Kansas penal system, they urge the Committee to take a closer look at this proposal and the negative consequences it brings. (Attachment 18)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
