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Minutes for SB57 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Suspending statutory speedy trial rights until May 1, 2024, in all criminal cases filed prior to the effective date of this act and eliminating such rights in any criminal case filed on or after the effective date of this act.
Minutes Content for Fri, Feb 5, 2021
Opponent, Oral
Jessica Glendening spoke in opposition of SB57 stating that this bill is not a good solution to this problem because cases are piling up due to the fact that jury trials have not been occurring, but subsection (j) of SB57 would postpone trials until 2024 and subsection (k) would abolish statutory speedy trial altogether. Enacting this law could result in defendants being in jail longer than necessary and asked that the committee delay working this bill to allow proponents and opponents to find a better solution. (Attachment 1)
There was discussion. After the hearing yesterday, Chairperson Warren spoke with both sides about finding a middle road. The Committee looks forward to their recommendations.
Kendall Seal spoke in opposition of SB57 stating that ACLU acknowledges the very real problem brought by the pandemic, but this is not the answer. It would only continue and expand the inequalities already in the system because people who are poor would languish in jail awaiting trial, losing work, family, and other qualities of life. People on bail would have penalties as well. There must be an alternative means to access the courts. (Attachment 2)
Nick Reinecker spoke in opposition of SB57 stating this is brought on by the Governor's handling of the pandemic. He expressed his concern about eliminating the statutory right to a speedy trial and offered suggestions for improving the backlog. (Attachment 3)
Opposition, Written
- Teresa Woody, Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (Attachment 4)
There was no neutral testimony. The hearing was closed.
The Chairperson reminded the committee that Monday is the last day for bill introductions.
Senator Thompson made a comment that constituents are getting 1099-G notices from the Department of Labor with inaccurate amounts. He requested staff look into these issues. Chairperson Warren asked Natalie Nelson from the Legislative Research Department to look into this issue on behalf of Senator Thompson.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:22 AM.
