The bill amends K.S.A. 22-2805 and K.S.A. 60-459, introducing provisions for issuing a show cause notice for unavailable or material witnesses in criminal proceedings and under the Kansas juvenile justice code. It allows the court or magistrate to require a witness to provide a bond or comply with conditions to ensure their appearance. If a witness fails to comply, they may be committed to custody, but cannot be held for more than 30 days without good cause. The bill also mandates the appointment of counsel for witnesses who cannot afford legal representation, ensuring they receive necessary services.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "unavailable as a witness" to include various circumstances such as privilege, disqualification, illness, or absence beyond the court's jurisdiction. It removes previous language that limited the definition and outlines conditions under which a witness is not considered unavailable, particularly if their absence is due to the proponent's wrongdoing. The existing sections of K.S.A. 22-2805 and K.S.A. 60-459 are repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 22-2805, 60-459, 22-4508, 22-4507
As introduced: 22-2805, 60-459, 22-4508, 22-4507