SESSION OF 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 318
As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole
Brief*
SB 318, as amended, would amend law in the Kansas
Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts (Code) governing
fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of
cases by the city attorney in municipal court.
Fingerprinting for Municipal Convictions
The bill would specify that fingerprints need not be
obtained from individuals convicted of violating municipal
ordinances related to vehicle registration, driving without a
valid driver’s license, or failing to have motor vehicle liability
insurance coverage. Current law provides fingerprints must
be obtained in all municipal convictions that are comparable
to a class A or class B misdemeanor or assault under the
Kansas Criminal Code.
Prosecution of Cases by City Attorney in Municipal Court
In a prosecution by a city attorney in municipal court, the
bill would allow an accused person or accused person’s
counsel to present or provide to the city attorney matters that
are relevant to the case, and would require the city attorney
to inspect and review all presented audio and video
recordings relevant to the case, including recordings made
and retained by law enforcement using a body camera or
vehicle camera.
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*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research
Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental
note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at
http://www.kslegislature.org The bill would also make technical amendments.
Background
The bill was introduced in the Senate Committee on
Ways and Means at the request of Senator Bowers. [Note: As
introduced, the bill contained only provisions concerning
fingerprinting.]
Senate Committee on Judiciary
In the Senate Committee hearing on January 23, 2024,
a representative of the Kansas Municipal Judges Association
(KMJA) provided proponent testimony, stating the bill would
reduce the time and resources of staff needed to process
fingerprints in municipal court for these nonviolent offenses.
Written-only proponent testimony was provided by two
municipal court judges.
The City Attorney of Topeka provided neutral testimony,
stating that removing the fingerprint requirement for these
offenses would mean defendants would not have to appear in
court which could lead to unintended consequences.
Written-only neutral testimony was provided by a
representative of the Kansas Association of Police Chiefs,
Kansas Sheriffs Association, and Kansas Peace Officers
Association.
No other testimony was provided.
Senate Committee of the Whole
The Senate Committee of the Whole (SCOW) amended
the bill to add a provision that a city attorney would be
required to review every audio and video recording relevant
2- 318 to a case when presented. SCOW also adopted a technical
amendment.
Fiscal Information
No fiscal note was available when SCOW took action on
the bill.
Municipal Courts; fingerprinting; driver’s license; vehicle; municipal attorneys;
recordings
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