Speaker Merrick Appoints Kahrs to Joint Special Judiciary Committee

Topeka—House Speaker Ray Merrick on Monday announced appointments to the Joint Special Judiciary Committee, charged with amending the state’s “Hard 50” law for the special session beginning Sept. 3.

The joint committee will be chaired by Rep. Lance Kinzer (R-Olathe). The other five House Republicans named were Rep. John Rubin (R-Shawnee); Rep. John Barker (R-Abilene); Rep. Mark Kahrs (R-Wichita); Rep. Charles Macheers (R-Shawnee); and Rep. Ed Bideau (R-Chanute).

“All of these lawmakers have extensive experience with the judicial system and I appreciate their willingness to serve during the special session,” Speaker Merrick said. “I know they will do the work needed to amend the statute in a thorough and expeditious manner.”

The committee will schedule their first meeting before the special session begins.

Governor Brownback and legislative leaders agreed to a special session because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued June 17. The Court found in Alleyne v. United States that the Sixth Amendment requires any facts of a crime that could increase the mandatory minimum sentence to be put before the jury, rather than brought up for the first time by the sentencing judge. The ruling could have an impact on Kansas minimum sentencing requirements, effectively leading to reduced penalties for dangerous criminals.

Back to Newsroom