SESSION OF 2025
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2347
As Amended by House Committee on Judiciary
Brief*
HB 2347, as amended, would amend the required
culpability of a person obtaining control over stolen property
or services from “knowing” such property or services were
stolen from another to a requirement the person “has reason
to know” such property or services were stolen from another.
Background
The bill was introduced by the House Committee on
Judiciary at the request of a representative of the Wichita
Police Department.
House Committee on Judiciary
In the House Committee hearing, proponent testimony
was provided by a representative of the Wichita Police
Department and a representative of the Kansas Association
of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Peace Officers Association, and
Kansas Sheriffs Association. The proponents generally stated
the bill would allow prosecutors to prosecute theft by
possession as intended and increasing the penalty on low
value motor vehicle theft is commensurate with the harm
done to the victim.
No other testimony was provided.
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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
https://klrd.gov/ The Committee amended the bill by removing the
criminal penalty increase for theft of a motor vehicle with a
value less than $1,500.
Fiscal Information
According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of
the Budget on the bill, as introduced, the Sentencing
Commission indicates the bill has the potential to increase
prison admissions and the number of prison beds needed;
however, a precise estimate of this effect cannot be
determined. The Department of Corrections indicates the bill
could increase agency operating expenditures by a negligible
amount that could be accommodated within existing
resources.
The Judicial Branch indicates that enactment of the bill
would have a negligible fiscal effect on its operations. Any
fiscal effect associated with the bill is not reflected in The FY
2026 Governor’s Budget Report.
The Kansas Association of Counties and the League of
Kansas Municipalities indicate the bill has the potential to
increase local government expenditures on enforcement and
legal proceedings; however, a precise estimate of this effect
cannot be determined.
Theft; culpability; stolen property or services
2- 2347