MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Bill No. 473

An Act concerning crimes, punishment and criminal procedure; relating to the Kansas code of criminal procedure; authorizing a notice to appear that meets certain requirements to serve as a lawful complaint; requiring a minimum appearance bond premium in district court; providing reasons for suspending or terminating authorization of a compensated surety; authorizing the chief judge of a judicial district to require a compensated surety to submit to a state and national criminal history record check; amending K.S.A. 22-2202, 22-2408 and 22-2809b and repealing the existing sections.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

While I support the goal of reforming our criminal justice system in relation to pre-trial release, Senate Bill 473 establishes a minimum amount a person must pay a bail bonding company to be released from jail, regardless of the type or severity of their crime. This requires bond companies charge an appearance bond premium of a minimum of 10% of the face amount of the appearance bond, of which half must be received before posting a bond. After thorough review, I am concerned of the impact that this will have on low income, non-violent offenders’ ability to be released and return to their families and jobs.

“The Kansas Judicial Branch Pretrial Justice Task Force reviewed these issues extensively and made important recommendations. One of those recommendations is contained in this bill. While I support that component, the remaining provisions of this bill need further refinement.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 473.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 24, 2024.