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Minutes for HB2029 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Increasing the time of an initial restraining order and possible extensions issued in a protection from abuse order or a protection from stalking, sexual assault or human trafficking order.
Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 24, 2023
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on HB2029. Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1) Ms. Scott stood for questions.
Proponent
Emily Voss (Attachment 2) explained a survivor deciding to apply for a protection order is putting their safety and trust in the system. Ms. Voss explained the experirence she had with two survivors of violence. As the law stands now, Kansas survivors of violence already have access to a protection order for a minimum of two years, but because of the need to renew after one year that access is wrought with barriers. She explained all of those burdens can't be removed, but HB2029 would give survivors additional necessary breathing room to start on the path of healing. Ms. Voss stood for questions.
Victoria Pickering (Attachment 3) explained HB2029 would modify current Kansas statute, allowing petitioners to access initial protection orders for a longer period of time than is currently permitted and giving judges the ability to grant orders for 2 to 5 years without the need for a renewal at one year. Ms. Pickering stated being forced to interact over and over again with the person who assaulted you can make this nearly impossible. Protection orders are a critical tool that survivors can access to help establish that safety. She said it is the seemingly small adjustments to statute that make the most lasting change in the lives of survivors, which is why she and her organization strongly support HB2029. Ms. Pickering stood for questions.
Jessa Farmer (Attachment 4) stated there are a lot of advantages that HB2029 will bring to the process of petitioning for protections orders. It will make the process less stressful for the victim, cut down on the paperwork and processing time for all involved, and have a positive impact on law enforcement and the time they spend serving the protection orders over again. Ms. Farmer said she and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence respectfully urges the committee to recommend HB2029 for passage. Ms. Farmer stood for questions.
Chairperson Patton asked the membership if there were any more questions for the conferees. There were not.
Written Proponent
Mike Burgess, Director of Policy & Outreach, Disability Rights Center of Kansas (Attachment 5)
Jennifer Reynolds, Constituent (Attachment 6)
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2029.
Chairperson Patton told the membership that they may have final action on the following bills: HB2015, HB2016, HB2017 and HB2018. He adjourned the meeting at 4:13 pm.
