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Minutes for HB2229 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Increasing the criminal penalties for multiple thefts of mail.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 9, 2021
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on HB2229. Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 6) Ms. Scott stood for questions.
Eric Stafford testified in support of HB2229. (Attachment 7) Mr. Stafford explained that under the umbrella of the Kansas Chamber is the Kansas Manufacturing Council, and the Kansas Retail Council. This issue was brought to us on behalf of the retail industry as they experience a significant increase in theft from customer’s porches and mailboxes. As consumer behavior mixed with the COVID-19 crisis drives consumer purchasing faster towards online shopping, it’s important to hold those accountable who choose to steal property from others. HB2229 would create a consistent statute for mail theft across the state of Kansas and would also extend protections to all types of mail, regardless of the delivery location, or what type of carrier delivers it- further protecting residents.
Ed Klumpp testified in support of HB2229. (Attachment 8) Mr. Klumpp explained the seriousness of this type of theft, often referred to as “porch piracy,” is increasing when it is considered how many people now get their prescription medicines and other essential health items through mail shipments. This bill addresses this crime in the same way the legislature addressed a surge in serial shoplifting cases several years back. (See Section 1, subsection (b)(5) on page 1, lines 32-36 of the bill.) While it does nothing to address the single theft that is not already provided for in the theft statute, this does address those who escape serious consequences by each case remaining a misdemeanor even when the acts are repeated in a short period of time. Like the serial shoplifter provision, three or more thefts of mail within a 72-hour period with losses under $1500 (the recently increased floor for felony theft) would combine into a low-level Severity Level 9 felony. Mr. Klumpp and the associations he represents support HB2229.
Both proponents stood from questions.
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2229.
Chairperson Patton stated general orders had come out and there are two bills from Judiciary Committee being carried tomorrow and if anyone in the membership is carrying either of those please be prepared. He also stated the bill that would be heard tomorrow was also heard last year regarding school bus stop sign violations. Last year there was not a vendor available to answer many of the questions but tomorrow a vendor is scheduled to speak and be available for questions.
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 4:06
