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Minutes for HB2505 - Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Short Title
Allowing a greater use of detention for juvenile offenders who violate probation.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 18, 2020
Natalie Scott gave an overview of HB2505.
Laura Stief testified in support of HB2505 on behalf of StandUp Parenting. She stated two years ago, after the SB367 was passed, it didn’t take long for StandUp parents to complain that their teen became aware that they can get away with anything because the law is unlikely to intervene with anything beyond diversion. (Attachment 1)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Judge Kevin M. Smith testified in support of HB2505. He stated we should not return to the days when judges could hold the sword of justice over juveniles’ heads until they turned 18, and with that the threat of seemingly indefinite incarceration for the most minor violations. (Attachment 2)
The Committee had questions and comments.
Judge Nick St. Peter testified in support of HB2505 behalf of the Kansas District Judges Association. He stated the bill provides a mechanism for this short glimpse of what life could be like without change but does not remove the offender from his or her community and family or disrupt and positive progress that might exist. (Attachment 3)
Kim Parker testified in support of HB2505 on behalf of Donald Hymer, Jr. for the Kansas County and District Attorney's Association. She stated the "boots on the ground" working with youth in the Juvenile Justice system would welcome such change the bill gives. (Attachment 4)
Reverend Lee Jost testified in support of HB2505 He stated the current system does not provide for some sort of sanction that can reinforce the need for behavior change. (Attachment 5)
Written only testimony in neutral position of HB2505 was submitted by Randy Bowman on behalf of the Kansas Department of Corrections. (Attachment 6)
Written only testimony opposed to HB2505 was submitted by:
- Mike Fonkert, Kansas Appleseed (Attachment 7)
- Nicholas Reinecker (Attachment 8)
Chairperson Jennings called for final questions from the Committee and then closed the hearing.
Chairperson Jennings adjourned the meeting.
