§ 59-29a01 — Kansas sexually violent predator act; civil commitment of sexually violent predators; legislative findings; time requirements directory

(a) The legislature finds that there exists an extremely dangerous group of sexually violent predators who have a mental abnormality or personality disorder and who are likely to engage in repeat acts of sexual violence if not treated for their mental abnormality or personality disorder. Because the existing civil commitment procedures under K.S.A. 59-2901 et seq., and amendments thereto, are inadequate to address the special needs of sexually violent predators and the risks they present to society, the legislature determines that a separate involuntary civil commitment process for the potentially long-term control, care and treatment of sexually violent predators is necessary. The legislature also determines that because of the nature of the mental abnormalities or personality disorders from which sexually violent predators suffer and the dangers they present, it is necessary to house involuntarily committed sexually violent predators in an environment separate from persons involuntarily committed under K.S.A. 59-2901 et seq., and amendments thereto.
(b) Notwithstanding any other evidence of legislative intent, it is hereby declared that any time requirements set forth in K.S.A. 59-29a01 et seq., and amendments thereto, either as originally enacted or as amended, are intended to be directory and not mandatory and serve as guidelines for conducting proceedings under K.S.A. 59-29a01 et seq., and amendments thereto.
(c) The provisions of K.S.A. 59-29a01 et seq. and amendments thereto, shall be known and may be cited as the Kansas sexually violent predator act.

Legislative History

L. 1994, ch. 316, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 140, § 1; L. 2003, ch. 152, § 1; L. 2015, ch. 95, § 1; July 1.