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Minutes for SB415 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Creating the crime of organized retail crime, providing criminal penalties for violation thereof, increasing the criminal penalties for theft of certain property, including organized retail crime in the definition of racketeering activity under the Kansas racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act and authorizing the attorney general to prosecute crimes that are part of an alleged course of criminal conduct that occurred in two or more counties.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 12, 2024
Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on SB415.
Jason Thompson provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions, (Attachment 6)
Kris Kobach, Attorney General, provided testimony supporting the bill. He stated SB415 represents Kansas's efforts to join the more than thirty states that have enacted legislation to help combat organized retail theft. (Attachment 7)
Eric Stafford, Kansas Chamber testified in support of SB415. He stated this bill provides stronger enforcement capabilities. (Attachment 8)
Written only testimony in support of SB415 was submitted by:
- Ryan Ursik, Walmart Public Affairs & Government Relations (Attachment 9)
- Jason Watkins, on behalf of The Chamber Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 10)
Jennifer Roth, BIDS Legislative Committee member, provided testimony in opposition to the bill. She stated that they would like to allow SB174, that passed last year, to work before creating a new crime or expanding the Attorney General's concurrent authority, both of which SB415 would do. (Attachment 11)
There being no further conferees, Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on SB415
