The proposed bill introduces substantial 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 sentences for crimes committed prior to this date to remain in effect. The bill redefines aggravated murder, specifying circumstances that qualify a killing as such, and classifies it as an off-grid person felony. Additionally, it mandates that individuals sentenced to life without parole will remain incarcerated for life, and it removes references to "capital murder," replacing them with "aggravated murder." The bill also introduces "Alexa's law," which expands the definitions of "person" and "human being" to include unborn children in certain legal contexts.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the expungement of criminal records, allowing individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors and non-grid felonies to petition for expungement after three years, while imposing a five-year waiting period for more serious offenses. It specifies that individuals convicted of prostitution may petition for expungement after one year if they can demonstrate coercion. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which expunged records may be disclosed and establishes guidelines for the court's decision-making process regarding expungement petitions. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the expungement process while ensuring public safety and providing pathways for rehabilitation for individuals with criminal histories.

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