Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2412.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 1)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions.

Proponents:

Representative Ken Collins, 2nd District, shared that he was compelled to present this bill after speaking with Travis and Shelby Cannon, the parents of Benny Cannon.  He explained that the penalties levied on those found guilty in the case of Benny's accident were very lenient. This bill would increase the penalties for such a crime.  (Attachment 2)

Shelby Cannon, the mother of Benjamin Cannon, shared that Benny was left unattended and unbuckled in a bouncer seat, leading to a rollover accident that lead to a severe injury. He now requires around-the-clock medical care, which has changed the lives of everyone connected to him. An investigation uncovered facts which lead to a criminal case. After accepting a plea deal, those who were accountable served a short sentence and now are free to return to a mostly normal life, unlike the family, whose lives have been changed forever. Mrs. Cannon asks that this bill be passed to ensure more safety for the children of Kansas.  (Attachment 3)

Lisa Eastwood, grandmother of Benjamin Cannon, testified that when a child is injured this severely, the impact does not stop with the parents. It ripples through an entire family and across generations. The concerns of their family are not abstract, they are real and the result of an avoidable tragedy. The consequences do not match the harm. This bill matters because it recognizes that endangering a child under the age of six is not a minor offense. She urged the Committee to support passage of this bill.  (Attachment 4)

Jordan Chessher, Project Heaven, shared that he wants the focus today to be on Benny Cannon, however, not by revisiting his story. Instead, he covered ways that this bill could improve the situation for young children, who can't speak for themselves. It would allow for more severe consequences in cases of foreseeable and preventable harm.  (Attachment 5)

The proponents stood for questions.

The Chairperson drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimony.

Janet Holden, Private Citizen  (Attachment 6)

Opponent:

Ellen Johnson, a private citizen, shared that the safety and well-being of a child's life may not be well protected by the authorities. Prison sentences for unsafe parents have not been effective and that this bill does nothing to contribute to public safety or justice. It is also too costly and ineffective. She proposed that families with known problems could benefit from more robust support services and professional help.  (Attachment 7)

Ms. Johnson stood for questions.

The Chairperson closed the Hearing on HB2412.