Last minute development w/ SB 353
Last night we became aware that Senate Bill 353 is being voted on today in Senate Judiciary Committee. For those who aren’t familiar, SB 353 is a bill that defines in greater detail what is and is not considered human trafficking in Kansas. Today a vote will take place to decide if the bill has enough support to leave committee. If it is successful, it will then come to another vote by all senators. We would like to see some changes made to the bill before it leaves committee and reaches a vote by all senators and we need your help to do it.
The reason that LINK is concerned about this bill is that it has serious unintended consequences. This law could be used against families, churches, non-profits and employers that provide transportation to undocumented in their normal course of business. This provision of SB 353 appears to penalize Good Samaritans and other innocent individuals. The statute could be enforced against churches that transport their parishioners, family members who transport or provide shelter to other family members, parents taking their children to school, or charitable institutions who provide services. The current exemption is very limited and does not protect these individuals.
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Send a quick email right now. Everything is already done; just copy and paste below. IMPORTANT: Make sure you send the right message to the correct email. Each message is tailored exactly for the individuals who is receiving it.
TO: tim.owens@senate.ks.gov; david.haley@senate.ks.gov; jean.schodorf@senate.ks.gov; john.vratil@senate.ks.gov; dwayne.umbarger@senate.ks.gov; laura.kelly@senate.ks.gov
SUBJECT: Senate Bill 353
MESSAGE: Dear Senator, I support Senate Bill 353 but i have serious concerns regarding the language. Provision in section 3(3) knowingly transporting or assisting in the transporting of any person into this state who is not lawfully present in the United States ; is overly broad.
This law could be used against families, churches, non-profits and employers that provide transportation to undocumented in their normal course of business. The statute could be enforced against churches that transport their parishioners, family members who transport or provide shelter to other family members, parents taking their children to school, or charitable institutions who provide services. The current exemption is very limited and does not protect these individuals.
A solution to this problem can be achieved by substituting “ands” for “ors” in section 3.Thank you for your attention.
Latino Informational Network of Kansas 