KS HB2131

Prosecutors must disclose intent to use jailhouse witness testimony and provide the defense with the witness's criminal history, cooperation agreements, any benefits received or promised, contents of statements, and information about prior cases where the witness testified.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation will maintain a statewide confidential database of jailhouse witness information, accessible only to prosecutors, with the confidentiality provision set to expire July 1, 2029 unless renewed by the legislature.

Courts may restrict disclosure to defense counsel only (excluding the defendant) and issue protective orders if revealing information would likely cause bodily harm to the jailhouse witness.

Prosecutors must notify victims connected to a case when a jailhouse witness receives any benefit in exchange for testimony against a defendant.

Designated as the "Pete Coones Memorial Act," the bill excludes confidential informants, accomplices, and co-defendants from the definition of "jailhouse witness."