Our Mission

To develop post-implementation monitoring procedures and reporting methods to evaluate guideline sentences; to advise and consult with the secretary of corrections and members of the legislature in developing a mechanism to link guidelines sentence practices with correctional resources and policies, which includes review and determination of the impact of the sentencing guidelines on the state's prison population; to consult with and advise the legislature with reference to implementation, management, monitoring, maintenance and operations of the sentencing guidelines system; and to make recommendations to the legislature relating to modification and improvement of the sentencing guidelines.

Agency Philosophy

The philosophy of the Kansas Sentencing Commission is that criminal sentences should be imposed fairly, rationally and consistently, and that incarceration should be reserved for the most serious offenders.

Senate Bill 50, which became law in 1989, established the Kansas Sentencing Commission, and directed the Commission to: "Develop a sentencing guidelines model or grid based on fairness and equity and...provide a mechanism for linking justice and corrections policies. The sentencing guideline model or grid shall establish rational and consistent sentencing standards which reduce sentence disparity, to include, but not be limited to, racial and regional biases which may exist under current sentencing practices." (See L. 1989, Ch. 225, Sec. 1) For further information on the Kansas Sentencing Commission, click one of the options in the left column.

Notices

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Web page last updated: August 28, 2009