Kansas House Bill HB2131

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Refer: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Report Pass: 3/7/25
• Engrossed: 3/21/25
• Refer: 3/25/25

Caption

Requiring prosecutors to disclose their intent to introduce testimony from a jailhouse witness and to forward related information to the Kansas bureau of investigation.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2131 is set to have considerable ramifications on criminal procedure in Kansas. By establishing these disclosure requirements, the bill intends to prevent wrongful convictions that may arise from the reliance on potentially unreliable jailhouse witness testimony. The creation of a centralized record-keeping system for the testimonies and the benefits associated with them will also assist in monitoring trends and instances of abuse related to such testimonies, thereby supporting accountability for prosecuting attorneys.

Summary

House Bill 2131, known as the Pete Coones Memorial Act, aims to enhance the transparency of the use of jailhouse witness testimony in criminal prosecutions by requiring prosecuting attorneys to disclose their intent to introduce such testimony. This legislation mandates that prosecutors provide pertinent information to the defense, including the jailhouse witness's criminal history, any benefits received by the witness for their testimony, and details regarding the statements made by the suspect or defendant. The bill represents an effort to safeguard the integrity of criminal proceedings by ensuring that potential biases related to jailhouse testimonies are disclosed to the defense.

Contention

Despite the intended benefits of the bill, discussions around HB 2131 may evoke contention among legal professionals. Critics might argue that the requirements could impose additional burdens on prosecuting attorneys and lead to delays in criminal proceedings. On the other hand, supporters assert that these measures are necessary to uphold justice and protect the rights of defendants, ultimately calling for a more sound judicial process. The conversation surrounding HB 2131 highlights an ongoing debate about the balance between efficient prosecution and the protection of defendants' rights in the criminal justice system.