KS
Kansas House Bill HB2031

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2031

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/13/23  

Caption

Enacting the reduce armed violence act to increase the criminal penalties for certain violations of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon that involve firearms.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB2031 aim to augment existing laws by instituting presumptive imprisonment for convicted felons found with firearms, especially during the commission of violent felonies. The bill amends the Kansas Statutes to classify violations under this act more severely, reflecting a commitment to tougher measures against armed violence. By increasing the maximum penalties for these offenders, the bill intends to deter potential gun crimes and ultimately reduce armed violence across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2031, referred to as the Reduce Armed Violence Act, seeks to enhance criminal penalties associated with the possession of firearms by convicted felons. This legislation specifically targets individuals previously convicted of felonies who are found to be in possession of firearms, imposing stricter sentencing guidelines and increasing the severity of penalties for such violations. The primary motive behind the bill is to address concerns over gun violence and enhance public safety by ensuring that those with a violent criminal history face more significant consequences when attempting to possess firearms.

Contention

While supporters of HB2031 argue that the bill addresses critical public safety issues by preventing criminals from accessing firearms, opponents may contend that the legislation could lead to excessive punishments for non-violent crimes. Concerns are voiced regarding the potential for disproportionate penalties that do not differentiate between offenders based on the nature of their previous convictions. There may also be discussions on whether existing measures for managing repeat offenders are sufficient without further exacerbating the prison population crisis.

Latest HB2031 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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