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Feb. 28, 2026
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Minutes for SB358 - Committee on Judiciary

Short Title

Requiring individuals convicted of certain felonies to be held without bond in the county jail until sentencing.

Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 4, 2026

Chairwoman opened the hearing on SB358.

Natalie Scott, Revisors Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions (Attachment 1)

Barry Wilkerson, Riley County Attorney, provided testimony in support of the bill.  This bill addresses an issue overdue for attention, A sexual assault victim of a victim of a violent crime resulting in the offender being convicted of presumptive incarceration crime, should leave the court room with the knowledge that the offender, whose presumption of innocence is gone, will be remanded to custody.   (Attachment 2) 

Sydney Carlin, Representative, 66th District, came to introduce the committee to some very brave women who are asking approval of this bill. (Attachment 3)

Kathy Ray, Executive Director, The Crisis Center, Inc. provided in support of the bill.  She stated for the victims and survivors we serve, accountability and safety are inseparable.  This bill represents a measured, thoughtful change that is consistent with Kansas sentencing policy and responsive to the lived experiences of victims and survivors. (Attachment 4)

Denise Wyrick, Private Citizen, provided testimony supporting this bill.  She urges the committee to support the bill and advance it.  Victims and survivors deserve to feel safe, believed, and respected at every state of the justice process - including after a conviction is secured. (Attachment 5)

Kathleen Cashman, Private Citizen, provided testimony supporting the bill.  This bill is the result of the determination of the 19 women who pressed charges to make real and effective change.  We have found support from each other, our community, our elected officials and our legislators.  I respectfully urge this committee to support SB358. (Attachment 6) 

Elizabeth Jankord, Private Citizen, testified in support of the bill  She testified today for the same reason she came forward as one of the many sexually assaulted women, in the hope of protecting others.  Thank you for supporting the bill.(Attachment 7)

Cathy Doane, Private Citizen, testified in support of the bill.  She stated this bill is necessary because it ensures that once a person is convicted of certain serious crimes, bond is revoked and accountability is immediate.  (Attachment 8)

Carson Kober, Private Citizen, testified in support of the bill.  She stated victims and survivors deserve to feel safe, respected, and believed a very state of the justice process, especially in the vulnerable hours after a conviction is secured. (Attachment 9)

Abby Stark, Private Citizen, spoke in support of the bill.  She respectfully urges the committee to support the bill and advance it forward.  This legislation is a meaningful step toward a justice system the prioritizes survivor safety and affirms that accountability matters. (Attachment 10) 

Rita Weltsch, Private Citizen, spoke in support of the bill.  She states by passing this bill, you send the message that the victim matters.  By passing this bill, you ensure that victims will be able to sleep at night, knowing their attacker cannot hurt them.  (Attachment 11)

Written only testimony was submitted by the following:

Written only testimony was submitted by the following:

Thank you to the incredible women who came forward to share your story with our committee

Closed hearing on SB358.