Press Releases

“Your voice matters, too” - upcoming events will remind Kansans with past felonies that they can vote

Two upcoming events held by the ACLU of Kansas and multiple partner organizations seek to inform Kansans with felony records that they are eligible to vote after they have served their sentence – and should.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Judge denies relief to detainees suffering unconstitutional wait times

A federal district court judge has denied a request to enter a preliminary injunction which would have remedied the months-long waitlist for bed space at Larned State Hospital for those awaiting mental health evaluations and treatment before they can be tried in criminal court.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

New campaign to reach Kansans with felony records who are eligible to vote

As many as 30,000 Kansans have the right to vote after completing sentences for felony convictions, but many are not aware of their rights. A new effort will work to inform them of their restored voting rights, recruiting volunteers to help ensure their neighbors know their rights have been restored

REPORT: Kansas should look to Quindaro’s example of a multiracial democracy

New ACLU of Kansas report “Same Water Comin’ Round” examines voting rights, criminal justice reform and more through the prism of the historic settlement.

In victory for civil rights, federal judge orders Kansas Highway Patrol to stop the Two-Step and other unconstitutional practices

A federal judge has ruled against the Kansas Highway Patrol and in favor of motorists, ordering the KHP to stop its policies and practices of detaining motorists without reasonable suspicion and of the infamous Kansas Two-Step.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

MONDAY: Trial challenging Kansas Highway Patrol’s Two-Step and unconstitutional detention practices

On Monday, the ACLU of Kansas, together with law firm Spencer Fane LLP, will begin the final phase of a challenge to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s infamous “Two-Step” and practice of unlawfully detaining drivers without adequate reasonable suspicion.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

WEDNESDAY: Medical Marijuana Day of Action calls on Kansas legislature to legalize medicinal marijuana

ACLU of Kansas, Kansas Black Leadership Council, Kansas Cannabis Coalition, Loud Light, New Frontiers, and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2 to uplift Kansans’ need for prompt legalization of medicinal marijuana.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

LAWSUIT CHALLENGING WICHITA GANG LIST PROCEEDS

In a victory for plaintiffs, the United States District Court for the District of Kansas denied significant portions of the City of Wichita’s motion to dismiss the class-action lawsuit challenging Wichita’s “Gang List.”
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Judge tosses summary judgment motion in latest action in KHP ‘Kansas Two-Step’ case

A federal District Court Judge held that there are significant facts in dispute regarding two stops conducted by Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, a move allowing the ACLU’s case accusing the agency of unlawful detentions and canine searches to proceed.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform