The bill amends K.S.A. 21-5913 to expand the definition of the crime of obstructing apprehension or prosecution. It now includes the act of harboring or concealing a person who is alleged to have violated the terms of probation, in addition to those who have committed or been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, or who are not in compliance with the Kansas offender registration act. The updated legal language specifies that obstructing apprehension or prosecution can occur when a person is alleged to have violated probation, community correctional services, parole, postrelease supervision, conditional release, or a suspended sentence.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the penalties for obstructing apprehension or prosecution based on the nature of the offense committed by the person being harbored. Specifically, if the individual has committed a felony, the offense is classified as a severity level 8, nonperson felony; if a misdemeanor, it is a class C misdemeanor. If the person is not compliant with the Kansas offender registration act, the offense is classified as a severity level 5, person felony. The existing section of K.S.A. 21-5913 is repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5913