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Minutes for HB2547 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Making changes to suspended drivers' license requirements.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 11, 2020
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2547.
Representative Finney testified in support of HB2547. She stated the bill's objective was to help reduce the recidivism rate of Kansas inmates and the least controversial measures to help them successfully reintegrate back into society. (Attachment 9)
The Committee had questions and comments. Chairman Jennings asked the Kansas Legislative Research Department staff to get data from Kansas Sentencing Commission.
John Jenks testified in support of HB2547 on behalf of Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (KCCC). He stated by streamlining the process for individuals to obtain restricted driving status while working to comply with the courts, the bill will remove some barriers for individuals, especially returning citizens from our correctional institutions, to regain some level of driving status. (Attachment 10)
John Goodyear testified in support of HB2547 on behalf of the League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM). He stated this bill would serve to lessen the burden on reinstatement fees on individuals seeking to get their driver's license back. (Attachment 11)
Ed Klumpp testified in support of HB2547 on behalf of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriffs Association, & Kansas Peace Officers Association (KACP, KSA, KPOA). He stated their associations support, in principle, changes proposed in this bill particularly as it relates to allowing restricted driver’s license opportunities to lawfully drive during a suspension related only to failure to appear or failure to pay fines related to traffic violations. (Attachment 12)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Written testimony in support of HB2547 was submitted by:
- Sylvia Penner, Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission (KCJRC) (Attachment 13)
- Jim Howell, Commissioner, Sedgwick County (Attachment 14)
- Jean Phillips, Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission (KCJRC) (Attachment 15)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Shawn Jurgensen testified in a neutral position of HB2547 on behalf of the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). He stated because the Judicial Branch anticipates that this measure would reduce the total number of reinstatement fees assessed in Kansas,it consequently anticipates a decrease in the amount of funding available in the Judicial Branch Nonjudicial Salary Adjustment Fund: a decrease that if not replaced with a separate, equal amount of funding would impact the Judicial Branch' ability to compensate its employees and threaten its ability to remain open to the public. (Attachment 16)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Randall Bowman testified in a neutral position of HB2547 on behalf of the Kansas Department of Correction (KDOC). He stated they appreciate that the Committee, and the Legislature as a whole, are discussing the public policies of Kansas as they relate to the criminal justice system. (Attachment 17)
Mike Fonkert testified in a neutral position of HB2547 on behalf of the Kansas Appleseed. He stated the changes proposed in the bill do, in some limited instances, lower the exorbitant additional financial burden placed on those already unable to pay fees and fines arising from traffic tickets. (Attachment 18)
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
Chairperson Jennings adjourned the meeting.
