Committee adds Second Look Act, judicial fees and juvenile programs to possible 2025 interim studies

Members of the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight agreed to add several topics to the committee—s list of potential 2025 interim studies, including an informational hearing on the Second Look Act (Senate Bill 255), a review of judicial and court fees, a review of effective programs for violent juvenile offenders not covered by Senate Bill 367, an inquiry into juvenile access to firearms, and informational hearings on how the Kansas Offender Registration Act is applied to juveniles.

Representative Hoy offered, on behalf of Senator Foske, that the committee consider an informational hearing on Senate Bill 255, described in the meeting as the Second Look Act. The presiding officer said the topic would be added to the committee—s consideration list unless there was objection.

Representative Hoffman said the committee should consider judicial surcharges and other court fees after a bill to continue certain fees did not advance; those fees had been carried in the budget for one year and he recommended a summer discussion to decide whether fees should be reduced or revised. Representative Carmichael clarified that previous legislation had encompassed both fines and fees, and members agreed to include a broader review of court fines and fees.

Representative Schlingen Seapen asked the committee to research programs around the country that have been effective with violent juvenile offenders not adequately addressed by Senate Bill 367, including outcomes such as recidivism and whether residential or incarcerated placements are most effective. Representative Hoy reiterated the interest in examining juvenile firearm access and asked whether data from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or county district attorneys could clarify whether adult actors or particular sources were contributing to youth firearm offenses.

Senator Corsen asked that, in fall informational hearings, the judiciary committees and the corrections and juvenile justice committee hold briefings on how the Kansas Offender Registration Act is being applied to juveniles — for what crimes juveniles are required to register and how often.

The committee set May 14, 2025, as the deadline for members to submit additional suggestions for possible interim studies and asked members to email committee leadership and the reviser with proposals.

No formal interim-study legislation or votes were adopted at the meeting; committee members agreed to add the discussed topics to the list of considerations for interim study.