The proposed bill introduces substantial amendments to Kansas sentencing laws, particularly regarding 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 prior to this date may still face the death penalty. The bill redefines aggravated murder, specifying circumstances under which it applies, and classifies it as an off-grid felony, resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Additionally, it modifies existing statutes to ensure that individuals sentenced to life without parole will remain incarcerated for their natural lives, without eligibility for commutation or parole, and replaces references to "capital murder" with "aggravated murder."

Furthermore, the bill addresses the expungement of criminal records, allowing individuals convicted of certain crimes, including prostitution under coercion, to petition for expungement after specific timeframes. It establishes that serious offenses, such as sexual crimes and violent felonies, are ineligible for expungement. The bill also outlines the process for expungement petitions, including required information and fees, and clarifies that individuals with expunged records can state they have never been arrested or convicted of the expunged crime. Additionally, it introduces provisions for postrelease supervision for individuals convicted of sexually violent crimes, mandates lifetime supervision for those over 18, and establishes criteria for parole eligibility and conditions for parolees. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety while providing pathways for individuals to restore their rights after serving their sentences.

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
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