Kansas House Bill HB2253

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Making the theft of livestock or implements of husbandry a severity level 5, nonperson felony.

Summary

HB 2253 would increase the criminal penalty for theft of livestock or an implement of husbandry by classifying that offense as a severity level 5, nonperson felony under Kansas theft law. The bill amends the general theft statute to add livestock and implements of husbandry to the list of property types that receive enhanced felony treatment, regardless of the dollar value of the property taken. It also updates related definitions so that “livestock” and “implement of husbandry” are tied to existing Kansas statutory definitions. The bill further expands Kansas forfeiture law to allow seizure of property used in, intended for use in, or acquired through theft of livestock or implements of husbandry. That includes contraband, proceeds, property purchased with proceeds, conveyances used to transport or facilitate the theft, and books, records, and electronic materials connected to the offense. It also addresses jointly titled property and clarifies that forfeiture may apply even when one co-owner claims no knowledge of the crime, subject to existing protections for bona fide security interests and innocent common carriers. The likely impact is to strengthen enforcement tools against agricultural theft and to create a more severe criminal and civil consequence structure for offenders. By elevating these thefts to a severity level 5 felony, the bill would expose defendants to harsher sentencing than ordinary theft offenses involving lower-value property. It would also give prosecutors and law enforcement broader authority to pursue forfeiture of vehicles, equipment, and other assets connected to livestock and farm-equipment theft. The general sentiment reflected in the bill’s introduction is supportive of agricultural interests, as the measure was requested on behalf of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association and the Kansas Livestock Association. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, amendments, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill’s framing, the measure appears intended as a targeted anti-theft and rural crime deterrence bill rather than a broader criminal code overhaul. The main points of contention that could arise involve the severity of the penalty and the breadth of forfeiture authority. Potential concerns include whether the enhanced felony classification is proportionate for all livestock or equipment theft cases, and whether forfeiture provisions could affect innocent co-owners or secured parties. Supporters are likely to emphasize deterrence, protection of ranchers and farmers, and the economic importance of agricultural property, while critics may focus on due process, property rights, and the reach of asset forfeiture.

Impact

HB 2253 would amend K.S.A. 21-5801 to make theft of livestock or an implement of husbandry a severity level 5, nonperson felony, regardless of the value of the property taken. It would also amend K.S.A. 22-4807a to add theft of livestock or implements of husbandry to the list of offenses triggering forfeiture of related contraband, proceeds, vehicles, records, and other property used in or derived from the offense. The bill would therefore increase criminal penalties and expand forfeiture remedies for agricultural theft cases, affecting defendants, property owners, secured creditors, and law enforcement.

Sentiment

The available context suggests a generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, especially among agricultural stakeholders, since it was requested by the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association and the Kansas Livestock Association. The bill’s caption and structure indicate a targeted response to livestock and farm-equipment theft, which is typically framed as a serious rural crime problem. No votes or committee testimony were provided, so there is no documented opposition or amendment history in the materials supplied.

Contention

The likely areas of contention are the enhanced felony classification and the expanded forfeiture provisions. Critics could argue that making all livestock or implement-of-husbandry theft a severity level 5 felony may be too harsh in lower-value or less aggravated cases, while supporters would view the penalty as necessary to deter organized agricultural theft. The forfeiture language may also raise concerns about innocent co-owners, cosigners, and secured parties, although the bill includes some protections for bona fide security interests and common carriers.