Increasing the criminal penalties for second or subsequent convictions of the crime of violation of a protective order.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HB 2750 would upgrade penalties for a second or subsequent violation of a protective order by a prior offender to strengthen deterrence and protect victims.

Died in Committee

#crimes #punishmentandcriminalprocedure

Summary of HB 2750 (2025-2026) – Kansas

Purpose and intent

HB 2750 proposes increasing the criminal penalties for second or subsequent convictions of the crime of violation of a protective order in Kansas. The bill aims to strengthen accountability and deterrence for individuals who repeatedly violate protective orders issued to safeguard victims of domestic violence, stalking, or related safety concerns.

Key provisions and changes

Target crime: Violation of a protective order (VPO). The bill specifically focuses on repeat offenses—second or subsequent convictions.

Penalty enhancement: For a defendant convicted of VPO for a second time, the bill would elevate the offense to a higher degree of crime with increased penalties. The exact statutory upgrading mechanism (e.g., from a misdemeanor to a felony, or from a lower-degree felony to a higher-degree felony) is the central change, though the precise grade/duration is not stated in the summary provided.

Conditions for enhancement: The enhancement applies only to individuals with a prior conviction for VPO, marking the offense as a subsequent violation.

Who would be affected

Defendants with prior VPO convictions: Individuals who have already been convicted once of violating a protective order and are subsequently convicted again would face harsher penalties under the bill.

Victims of protective orders: The intended protective effect is to strengthen protection for petitioners by ensuring repeat violators face stiffer consequences, potentially increasing safety and reducing recidivism.

Judicial and prosecutorial processes: Courts and prosecutors would implement the enhanced penalties for qualifying second-plus offenses, affecting charging decisions, sentencing options, and any related court procedures.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary on February 6, 2026.

Committee action: The bill was under consideration by the Judiciary Committee.

Status as of last action: Died in Committee on April 10, 2026. This means the bill did not progress to a full chamber vote and did not become law in its current form during the 2025-2026 session.

Potential impact (based on typical reform effects)

Public safety: Potentially improved safety for individuals protected by protective orders due to stricter penalties for repeat offenses.

Deterrence and accountability: Enhanced penalties may deter repeated violations by known offenders.

Judicial considerations: Courts would need to apply the enhanced sentencing framework for qualifying second offenses, which may require clear guidance on how to classify the escalated penalties.

Note: The summary reflects the bill as introduced and the action history provided. Since the bill died in committee, it did not become law in its current form for the 2025-2026 session. If similar legislation is reintroduced in the future, the exact criminal designation (e.g., misdemeanor vs. felony grade) and statutory language would determine the precise impact.