Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole) in Kansas

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 460: Authorizing municpal court services agencies to issue identification certificates to individuals under probation supervision.

This bill amends Kansas law to allow municipal court services agencies to issue identification certificates to individuals under their probation supervision. These certificates can now be used as valid proof of identity when replacing a lost or damaged driver's license. Previously, only certificates from the Department of Corrections were accepted for this purpose. The change directly affects people on probation in Kansas who need to renew or replace their driver's licenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2612: Modifying criminal sentencing rules applicable in multiple conviction cases where consecutive sentences may be imposed by the sentencing judge and the sentence for the primary crime is a nonprison sentence.

HB 2612 modifies Kansas sentencing rules for defendants convicted of multiple crimes requiring consecutive sentences. It requires that supervision terms (like probation or parole) be based solely on the longest supervision period imposed for any single crime, rather than combining all terms. The bill also specifies that if the primary crime (determined by severity ranking) receives a nonprison sentence, all other sentences must be nonprison, with supervision based on the longest single term. This directly affects defendants facing multiple convictions in Kansas, particularly those with mixed sentencing scenarios (e.g., drug vs. non-drug offenses).

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Judges Probation & Parole Sentencing

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 245: Providing that no person shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed after July 1, 2025, and creating the crime of aggravated murder.

SB 245 prohibits the death penalty for crimes committed after July 1, 2025, replacing it with a mandatory life sentence without parole for a new crime called "aggravated murder." This applies specifically to severe offenses like killings during kidnappings for ransom, contract killings, murders of law enforcement officers, or killings of children under 14 during sex-related kidnappings. Individuals convicted of aggravated murder after the effective date will serve life in prison with no possibility of release, parole, or commutation. The bill repeals existing death penalty provisions and amends related statutes to implement these changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2272: Providing that no person shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed after July 1, 2025, and creating the crime of aggravated murder.

HB 2272 prohibits death sentences for crimes committed in Kansas after July 1, 2025, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment without parole for future cases. It creates a new crime called "aggravated murder," defined as intentional killings during specific severe circumstances like kidnapping for ransom, contract killings, prison violence, sex offenses, or killing multiple victims. Anyone convicted of aggravated murder under this bill will receive a mandatory life sentence without parole. The law affects all future murder defendants in Kansas who would have been eligible for the death penalty under prior law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 91: Providing for payment of interest in civil actions for wrongful conviction and directing the attorney general to seek damages for the state from any person who knowingly contributed to the wrongful conviction and prosecute ouster and criminal proceedings as warranted.

SB 91 establishes a legal process for individuals wrongfully convicted and imprisoned to sue the state for compensation. It requires claimants to prove their innocence through a reversed conviction or dismissal, entitling them to $65,000 per year of imprisonment (plus $25,000 for parole/post-release time), interest on damages, and attorney fees, with payments structured as lump sums or annuities. The bill also directs Kansas’ Attorney General to seek reimbursement from individuals who knowingly contributed to the wrongful conviction, including pursuing criminal charges where warranted.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 255: Authorizing certain inmates in the custody of the secretary of corrections to petition the court for a resentencing hearing.

SB 255, the "Second Look Act," allows certain Kansas inmates to request a court review of their sentences after specific time periods based on their age at the time of the crime, veteran status, or completion of rehabilitation programs. Eligible inmates (e.g., those under 25 at sentencing after 10 years, 25-50 after 15 years, or over 50 after 10 years) can file a verified petition with court details, prompting a hearing where victims may testify. Courts may reduce sentences, adjust post-release supervision, or release inmates, but mandatory minimum terms remain unaffected. The bill requires victim notification and prohibits new petitions for five years after a denial.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Victims' Rights

vetoed · Kansas · House Apr 11, 2025

HB 2228: Senate Substitute for HB 2228 by Committee on Judiciary - Requiring that a political subdivision hold an open meeting to discuss a contingency fee contract for legal services before approving such contract and requiring the attorney general to approve such contracts.

HB 2228 requires Kansas corrections officials to help inmates obtain essential identification and employment documents at least nine months before release. The law mandates providing certified birth certificates, social security cards, driver's licenses or state ID cards, and employment-related records like vocational training, work history, and educational certifications. Corrections officials must coordinate with state agencies to secure these documents if inmates lack them, with exceptions for inmates released to other jurisdictions or deemed unable to return to work. This policy aims to support successful reintegration by addressing common barriers to employment and identification.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

All criminal justice bills

SB 460: Authorizing municpal court services agencies to issue identification certificates to individuals under probation supervision.

HB 2612: Modifying criminal sentencing rules applicable in multiple conviction cases where consecutive sentences may be imposed by the sentencing judge and the sentence for the primary crime is a nonprison sentence.

SB 245: Providing that no person shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed after July 1, 2025, and creating the crime of aggravated murder.

HB 2272: Providing that no person shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed after July 1, 2025, and creating the crime of aggravated murder.

SB 91: Providing for payment of interest in civil actions for wrongful conviction and directing the attorney general to seek damages for the state from any person who knowingly contributed to the wrongful conviction and prosecute ouster and criminal proceedings as warranted.

SB 255: Authorizing certain inmates in the custody of the secretary of corrections to petition the court for a resentencing hearing.

HB 2228: Senate Substitute for HB 2228 by Committee on Judiciary - Requiring that a political subdivision hold an open meeting to discuss a contingency fee contract for legal services before approving such contract and requiring the attorney general to approve such contracts.