Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, Assistant City Manager & Director of Legal Services
FROM:	Scott J. Miller, Staff Attorney
Date:	September 15, 2005
RE:	Amendment of the public offense of theft

In 2004, the theft statute, K.S.A. 21-3701, was amended by the legislature.  The attached ordinance amends Section 14-304 of the City Code, which defines the public offense of theft, to mirror the change in Kansas law.

There are two primary differences between the current version and the attached ordinance.  First, the jurisdictional limit for theft was raised from $500 to $1000, as the new version of the Kansas statute features an identical increase in the value of property that would constitute a misdemeanor offense if stolen.  Second, the legislature slightly modified the rules elevating repeat offenders to felony status.  Given that the Municipal Court has no jurisdiction over felony cases, these changes are set forth in the ordinance as well. 

Please contact me with any questions that you might have.