The proposed bill introduces significant reforms to the Kansas criminal code, particularly concerning the death penalty and aggravated murder. It establishes that no individual shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2025, while those convicted of crimes before this date may still face the death penalty. The bill redefines aggravated murder, specifying circumstances such as intentional killings related to kidnapping and the killing of law enforcement officers, and classifies it as an off-grid person felony. Additionally, it mandates that individuals sentenced to life without parole will remain incarcerated for their natural life, with no eligibility for commutation or parole. The bill also replaces references to "capital murder" with "aggravated murder" and introduces "Alexa's law," which expands the definitions of "person" and "human being" to include unborn children in certain contexts.
Moreover, the bill addresses the expungement of criminal records, allowing individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies to seek expungement after a specified period, provided they meet certain criteria. It outlines the process for filing a petition for expungement and specifies that individuals with expunged records can state they have never been arrested or convicted of the expunged crime. The bill also establishes mandatory minimum sentences for first-degree murder convictions and removes the possibility of a death sentence for defendants under 18 years of age. It emphasizes fair sentencing practices, clarifies parole eligibility criteria, and enhances the legal framework surrounding serious crimes and the management of seized property. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for sentencing and expungement while ensuring public safety and the rights of individuals with expunged records are protected.
Statutes affected: As introduced: 21-5301, 21-5402, 21-5419, 21-6328, 21-6614, 21-6618, 21-6620, 21-6622, 21-6628, 21-6629, 21-6621, 21-6623, 21-6624, 21-6625, 21-6806, 22-2512, 21-6301, 22-3717, 22-4902, 22-4906, 23-3222, 38-2255, 38-2271, 38-2266, 38-2303, 38-2312, 38-2365, 39-970, 39-2009, 65-5117, 72-2165, 75-52, 39-2009a