Bill > SB157

This bill modifies several aspects of Kansas criminal procedure, focusing on search warrants, appearance bonds, and bail bond regulations. Specifically, the bill changes the requirements for obtaining search warrants by mandating that only law enforcement officers, rather than any person, can provide sworn statements justifying probable cause. For appearance bonds, the bill requires that warrants for failure to appear must be provided to compensated sureties (bail bond companies) and establishes new criteria for setting aside bond forfeitures. For example, a bond forfeiture can now be set aside if the defendant has been deported from the United States or is incarcerated within the U.S. The bill also introduces new rules for compensated sureties, including requiring a minimum 10% bond premium, restricting how sureties can collect that premium, and mandating eight hours of annual continuing education. Additionally, the bill outlines a graduated remission schedule for bond amounts if a defendant is returned to custody within certain timeframes, allowing sureties to recover portions of their bond (90% if returned within 90 days, 75% if returned within 91-180 days, and 50% if returned within 181-270 days). These changes aim to provide more clarity and fairness in the criminal justice system's bond and warrant processes.

Justice

Judiciary (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb157/