The Kansas Supreme Court just released a new opinion defining the rights of juveniles.  The court said that juvenile offenders do not have the same rights as adults to a preliminary hearing.

An adult accused of a felony may have a preliminary hearing.  At this hearing, the court determines if there is probable cause to try the adult for the felony.  Juveniles do not have the same right to a preliminary hearing.  However, the Kansas Supreme Court suggests that probable cause is needed to keep a juvenile in detention.

The Kansas House Social Service Budget Committee voted to cut all remaining State General Funds used to support Kansans with developmental disabilities. The Appropriations Committee will consider these cuts next week.

My clients with developmental disabilities already face waiting periods of three to eight years for necessary services from the state. I understand the state’s fiscal crisis; however, I also understand that Kansans with developmental disabilities already face sparse service.  There is no fat to cut.