The Kansas Senate has approved a major overhaul to the state’s juvenile justice system that reduces the focus on youth prisons while investing in community-based rehabilitation programs. SB 367 was introduced in January following recommendations from the bi-partisan Kansas Juvenile Justice Workgroup, composed of legislators, judges, and attorneys from across the state and guided by in-depth Kansas date and extensive national research.
National research showed that Kansas ranks 6th worst in the nation for the over-confinement of youth, which costs $90,000 per year per offender.
“In short, we’re warehousing kids instead of working to find solutions,” said Sen Greg Smith, and Overland Park Republican, who was a member of the workgroup.
“We’re putting kids first, families first, while promoting public safety,” Smith said of the reforms.
The 100 plus page bill is fairly complex, includes the workgroups 40 policy changes and focuses on standardized sentencing (something that didn’t exist before) and focuses on investing in community-based programs with proven results. While the program provides options for low-risk offenders, it doesn’t reduce sentences for serious offenders.
Here are few more highlights of the bill:
- Creates the Kansas juvenile justice improvement fund to develop and implement evidence-based community programs and practices for youthful offenders and their families.
- Raises the age for adult prosecution from 12 to a minimum of 14 years old, in line with most states.
- Requires that courts hold detention review hearing every seven days to reduce unnecessary detention.
- Establishes a Kansas juvenile justice oversight body to oversee the implementation of reform measures, track data, and make recommendations.
The bill passed the Senate almost unanimously. It goes to the House next.
