Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2422.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, gave the Bill Brief. (Attachment 9)

Proponent Representative Kevin Schwertfeger, 114th District, testified that the information included in this bill was separated out from last year's bill so as to be more germane to itself.  He noted that the theft of grain happens in our state and when it occurs it can cause great hardship for the producer. It needs to be dealt with swiftly and with a penalty that will deter repeat offenders. (Attachment 10)

Proponent Randy Stookey, General Counsel for Kansas Grain and Feed Association, testified that it would take the theft of 6000 bushels of grain, the equivalent to six semi truck loads, to get out of the probationary status, thus the reason these offenses are not prosecuted often. This bill would lower the threshold of grain loss and raise the penalties for theft with the hopes that prosecution would become more common. (Attachment 11)

Proponent Mike Schmidt, retired Chief Operating Officer from Pride Ag Resources, shared a personal experience of having an employee who was involved in a complicated scheme to steal grain. Two of the six people involved were prosecuted, one spending less time in jail than if he had been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and never paid any of the $52,000 restitution.  He stressed that the passing of this bill is long overdue. (Attachment 12)

Proponent Russell Plaschka, Kansas Cooperative Council, pointed out that there is more storage of grain in bags, in bunkers and on the ground than in the past. This has led to further opportunities for theft. He also pointed out that the bill speaks of bushels, not a dollar value, due to fluctuating grain prices. ((Attachment 13)

The conferees stood for questions.

The Chair drew attention to the Written Only testimonies. 

Representative Dr. Megan Steele, 51st District  (Attachment 14) 

John Donley, Kansas Farm Bureau  (Attachment 15) 

Brice Elnicki, Chief Revenue Officer, Ag Partners Coop  (Attachment 16) 

Adam York, Kansas Sorghum Producers  (Attachment 17)

Currie Myers, Private Citizen (Attachment 18)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2422.