Transportation

HB 2554 creates two new distinctive license plates in Kansas: "Pheasants Forever" and "Quail Forever," available to Kansas residents who own eligible passenger vehicles or light trucks (under 20,000 lbs gross weight) starting July 1, 2026. Owners must pay a $25-$100 annual "logo use royalty" fee to Pheasants Forever, Inc., in addition to standard registration fees, to obtain or renew the plates. The plates are non-transferable, require annual renewal with the fee payment, and include data-sharing consent for vehicle information. This bill directly affects Kansas vehicle owners seeking these specialty plates, generating revenue for the nonprofit organization through the license plate program.

This bill prohibits drivers from using mobile phones without hands-free devices while operating vehicles in school zones or construction zones where workers are present. It applies to all drivers except law enforcement and emergency personnel, those safely stopped, or those using hands-free equipment. The law includes exceptions for reporting crimes, preventing injuries, summoning emergency help, and certain professional communications. Violations will result in warning citations that expire on July 1, 2027, and police cannot confiscate phones without consent except under specific legal conditions.

HB 2459 requires all riders aged 17 and younger to wear helmets while operating electric-assisted scooters or bicycles, and prohibits children under 13 from riding scooters. It sets a 15 mph maximum speed limit for electric-assisted scooters and modifies their legal definition to include specific design and speed specifications. The bill also mandates the Kansas Department of Transportation to develop helmet safety education materials for law enforcement to distribute. These changes directly affect young riders, parents, and scooter operators in Kansas, focusing on safety through clear age restrictions and speed limits.

HB 2617 amends Kansas law to require motorcycle license plates to display a minimum of six letters or numbers (previously five) for personalized plates. This change directly affects motorcycle owners who apply for personalized plates, requiring them to select combinations meeting the new six-character minimum. The bill updates specific sections of Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-132 and 8-147) to reflect this requirement, without altering fees or other plate design rules. The policy change focuses solely on the character length for motorcycle personalized plates.

HB 2583 requires commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in Kansas to carry specific identification documents (including a valid license, work visa, and proof of citizenship like a passport or birth certificate) and demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. It applies to all commercial drivers in Kansas, including nonresidents, and mandates that violations result in a class B misdemeanor and fines. Fines collected from violations must be deposited into the state’s human trafficking victim assistance fund. The bill modifies Kansas’ commercial driver licensing laws to add these requirements and outlines procedures for employers to handle vehicles during violations, such as transferring cargo if a compliant driver isn’t available within 12 hours.