Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2422.
Dahnika Short, Revisor's Office, provided an overview and stood for questions. (Attachment 10)
Kevin Schwertfeger, Kansas State Representative, 114th House District, provided testimony in support of this bill. He would like to see penalties move to a level 5 and 6 felony raher tan an mere misdemeanor, we seek to deter more theft from occurring.(Attachment 11)
Lisa Moser, Kansas State Representative, District 106, provided support of the bill. She stated grain production in Kansas has a significant economic impact on the state's overall economic growth and development. She ask for the committee's support of individuals and families who lose property that is their livelihood. (Attachment 12)
Randy Stookey, Sr. Vice President of Governmental Affairs & General Counsel, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, testified in support of the bill. He stated by increasing the statutory penalty for grain theft, we hope the change will increase the deterrent to this illegal activity and, if it should occur, encourage greater prosecution of the crime. (Attachment 13)
Proponents stood for questions and further discussion.
Written only testimony was submitted by:
Megan Steele, Kansas State Representative. District 51 (Attachment 14)
Brice Elnicki, Chief Revenue Officer, Ag Partners Coop, Inc. (Attachment 15)
John Donley, Kansas Farm Bureau (Attachment 16)
Taylor Williamson, Director of Economics and Policy, Kansas Corn Growers Assoc. (Attachment 17)
Adam York, CEO, Kansas Sorghum Producers, (Attachment 18)
Chris Tanner President, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (Attachment 19)
Shahira Stafford, Kansas Cooperative Council (Attachment 20)
No further conferees.
Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on HB2422
Meeting minutes from 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5 2026 submitted for review and approval.
Senator Haley moved, Senator Argabright seconded the approval of meeting minutes from 2-2, 2-3. 2-4, 2-5, 2026. Motion carried,
Meeting adjourned at 11:48.