The proposed bill introduces significant reforms to the Kansas criminal code, particularly concerning the death penalty and aggravated murder. It prohibits the imposition of the death penalty for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2025, while allowing existing death sentences for prior offenses to remain in effect. The bill redefines aggravated murder, specifying qualifying circumstances such as premeditated killings related to kidnapping or 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 without eligibility for commutation or parole. The bill also introduces "Alexa's law," expanding the definition of "person" to include unborn children in certain legal contexts.

Furthermore, the bill amends various statutes related to the expungement of criminal records, allowing individuals convicted of certain crimes, including prostitution under coercion, to petition for expungement after specified timeframes. It establishes exclusions for serious offenses like rape and murder, and outlines the procedural requirements for filing expungement petitions. The bill also addresses the sentencing of juvenile offenders, ensuring timely proceedings for sexually violent crimes and clarifying conditions for expungement of juvenile records. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety, clarify legal definitions, and provide pathways for rehabilitation while ensuring fair treatment of defendants in the criminal justice system.

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