This bill establishes the crime of "interference with the conduct of a religious assembly," which includes actions such as using force or threats to intimidate individuals exercising their right to religious freedom, as well as damaging or destroying property at places of worship. The bill categorizes this offense into two levels: standard interference, which is classified as a severity level 10 felony for first-time offenders and a severity level 6 felony for repeat offenders, and aggravated interference, which occurs when a firearm or weapon is involved and is classified as a severity level 4 felony. Additionally, the bill outlines various penalties based on the value of the property damaged, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

Furthermore, the bill provides a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by such interference, allowing them to seek damages, including punitive damages up to three times the actual damages incurred, and attorney's fees. The attorney general is granted the authority to pursue cases on behalf of victims, with provisions for civil penalties against offenders. The bill also amends existing laws related to criminal desecration and the attorney general's prosecutorial powers, specifically including the new crime of interference with religious assemblies. The existing sections of law that are being repealed are K.S.A. 21-6205 and K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 75-702.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-6205, 75-702, 21-5301, 21-5302, 21-5303