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Committee hears mixed evidence on recidivism as HB 2527 targets off-site work release for certain offenders
Summary
During a February committee hearing on HB 2527, proponents pointed to long-term studies and underreporting of child victimization to argue certain offenders should be barred from off-site work-release; witnesses described both program benefits and data complexity. No vote was held on the bill.
The Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice continued its hearing on HB 2527 in February 2026, focusing on whether certain offenders should be prohibited from participating in work-release placements off Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) property.
Representative Barrett, speaking in favor of narrowing the bill, told the panel the amendment would apply to people convicted of a level-5 felony or greater and to certain offenses against minors, and would bar participation in chain-gang work, state-fair and state-lake activities, and off-site work-release placements. He argued the measure is a public-safety mitigation while individuals remain in KDOC custody. "When recidivism is measured by new arrests or convictions within a short time…
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