The bill amends K.S.A. 21-5414 to impose stricter regulations on offenders convicted of domestic battery. It specifically limits or prohibits work release for offenders convicted of a second or third domestic battery offense. Additionally, it mandates that offenders convicted of a first offense undergo a domestic violence offender assessment conducted by a certified batterer intervention program and follow all recommendations made by such program. The bill also modifies the conditions under which offenders can be granted probation, suspension of sentence, or parole, requiring them to serve a minimum of 20 days' imprisonment before being eligible for such releases.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definitions of domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery, detailing the penalties associated with each offense. It establishes that a second offense will be classified as a class A misdemeanor, while a third or subsequent offense will be classified as a person felony. The bill also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 21-5414, indicating a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework surrounding domestic battery offenses in Kansas. The changes aim to enhance accountability and provide better support for victims of domestic violence.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5414
As Amended by House Committee: 21-5414
{As Amended by House Committee of the Whole}: 21-5414
As Amended by Senate Committee: 21-5414