Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB483

Introduced
2/7/24  
Refer
2/8/24  

Caption

Establishing the crime of interference with a security camera in a correctional facility.

Impact

The enactment of SB 483 would add a new layer of legal protection for security apparatus in correctional facilities, implicating both staff accountability and inmate behavior. By specifically addressing security cameras, the bill reflects a growing concern for safety and surveillance in such institutions, aiming to prevent disruptions that could lead to escapes or riots. The classification of offenses related to such interference underscores the seriousness with which the legislature views the potential implications of tampering with security measures in correctional settings.

Summary

Senate Bill 483 seeks to establish the crime of interference with a security camera specifically in correctional institutions. The bill delineates what constitutes interference, which includes intentionally covering a security camera without permission from relevant authorities such as the secretary of corrections or warden. This act would be classified as a class A nonperson misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill introduces aggravated interference, which encompasses more severe actions like removing, damaging, or disabling a security camera, and these actions would categorize as severity level 9 and level 6 nonperson felonies based on the context of the offense, such as during a riot.

Contention

While the text of the bill does not provide extensive commentary on points of contention, it is likely that concerns may arise regarding the broadness of the definitions, particularly around what constitutes 'interference' and the potential for overreach in the enforcement of these new rules. Some advocacy groups and individuals could argue against the potential for harsher punishments and the implications for prison conditions and inmate oversight. The balance between maintaining security and ensuring humane treatment within correctional institutions will be a significant topic of discourse as this bill moves through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB183

Creating the crimes of interference with a security camera in a correctional facility and aggravated interference with a security camera in a correctional facility and providing criminal penalties therefor.

KS HB1332

Correctional facility; intentionally covering, removing, etc., a security camera, penalty.

KS SB700

Correctional facility; intentionally covering, removing, etc., a security camera, penalty.

KS HB2023

Creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a healthcare facility, providing criminal penalties for violation thereof and increasing the criminal penalties for battery of a healthcare provider.

KS S1676

Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.

KS S2209

Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.

KS A2238

Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.

KS A1464

Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.

KS HB227

Crimes and offenses; offense of criminal interference with critical infrastructure; provide

KS SB1128

State correctional facility; unauthorized dissemination of photographic image from security camera.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.