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Minutes for HB2021 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Allowing evidence-based program account money to be used on certain children, requiring the department of corrections to build data systems and allowing for overall case length limit extensions for certain juvenile offenders.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 8, 2023
Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2021. Jason Thompson, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 1)
Marc Bennett testified in support of HB2021. He stated the current system is capable of addressing juveniles who commit very serious crimes and those at the other end of the spectrum who commit non-violent minor crimes. The kids in the middle are the concern. The language added in HB2021 requiring collaboration should be an improvement. (Attachment 2)
Jim Howell gave testimony in support of HB2021. He stated SB367, enacted in 2016, created sanction guidelines and limited the options for prosecutors and judges. The programming in most cases is effective but for some, its just not enough. He provided samples and suggested several improvements. (Attachment 3)
Kevin Waring testified in support of HB2021. He stated the ability for the court to issue detention sanctions, in addition to prior graduated sanctions issued by a supervision officer for technical violations, would be a valuable resource as part of the youth's supervision. (Attachment 4)
Hon. Kevin M. Smith, in his personal capacity, testified about the need to amend SB367, enacted in 2016, to preserve its underlying purpose while addressing its flaws. He proposed changes he felt would address the weaknesses. (Attachment 5)
Erica Case testified in support of HB2021. She discussed the benefits to public safety that would be realized with HB2021. (Attachment 6)
Gina Meier-Hummel gave testimony in support of HB2021. She stated the passage of HB2021 and the additional resources it would provide, in caring for at risk youth and families in Kansas, especially the crossover youth who are interjecting extreme behaviors into our child welfare system. (Attachment 7)
Kristalle Hedrick gave testimony in support of HB2021. She stated we must take action, the child welfare system is not able to meet the needs of youth without additional resources and support from the law enforcement and corrections community. (Attachment 8)
Steve Solomon testified in support of HB2021. TFI believes that HB2021 will improve child safety, public safety and child well being. He gave testimony of several areas that would improve with the passage of HB2021. (Attachment 9)
Angela Hedrick gave testimony in support of HB2021. She stated HB2021 specifically removes inter-agency barriers, ensures that the data systems necessary to coordinate care will be developed and implemented, ensures extended case length limits to help children access needed support, expands the ability of nonprofit organization to develop effective interventions for children and their families. (Attachment 10)
Rachel Marsh testified in support of HB2021. She stated HB2021 serves as a strong step forward to improving child safety, public safety, and child wellbeing. (Attachment 11)
Written-only testimony in support of HB2021 was submitted by:
- Ed Klumpp, Legislative Liaison, Kansas Sheriffs Association; Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police; Kansas Peace Officers Association. (Attachment 12)
- Christina Smith, Private Citizen (Attachment 13)
- Kyle Kessler, Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas (Attachment 14)
Chairwoman Warren announced that the committee with continue with the hearing on HB2021 tomorrow, March, 9, 2023.
