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Minutes for SB534 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Enacting the reduce armed violence act to increase the criminal penalties for certain violations of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon that involve firearms.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 8, 2022
Chairperson Warren opened the hearing on SB534.
Jason Thompson, Senior Assistant Revisor, provided an overview of SB534 and stood for questions. (Attachment 10)
Jessica Domme testified in support of SB534, stating the bill addresses the issue of no added consequence for felons illegally carrying a gun while committing a new, violent felony. (Attachment 11)
Ed Klumpp testified in support of SB534, stating current state law for felons prohibited from carrying a gun is not a deterrent because armed felons will not serve additional prison time; unlike if there were federal charges. (Attachment 12)
Anthony Moe and Jamie Miller testified in support of SB534, stating the bill fixes a gap in current sentencing guidelines by sentencing felons to probation only and the number of repeat offenders is overwhelming. The Wichita Police Department reports the number of felons arrested for firearm possessions doubled between 2015 and 2021. (Attachment 13)
Conferees responded to questions from Committee members.
Written only testimony in support of SB534 was submitted by:
- Greg Smith, Special Deputy Sheriff for Government, Veteran, and Crime Victim Affairs, Johnson County Sheriff's Office (Attachment 14)
- Michael F. Kagay, District Attorney, Third Judicial District (Attachment 15)
- Jeralyn Wheeles, On behalf of the Kansas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (Attachment 16)
- Bryan Wheeles, Chief of Police, Topeka Police Department (Attachment 17)
- Stephen Howe, District Attorney, Tenth Judicial District (Attachment 18)
No neutral testimony was submitted.
Nicolas Reinecker testified in opposition to SB534 advocating for minimum sentencing for anyone convicted for unlawful cultivation, distribution, or possession of controlled substances, specifically cannabis, and responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 19)
Chairperson Warren closed the hearing on SB534.
