Transportation and Public Safety Budget

HB 2658, the "Safe and Transparent Arrest Act," requires all Kansas law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies by July 2026 governing when officers may wear facial coverings. The bill prohibits officers from wearing masks or gear that conceal their face during duties, except for specific, limited situations like undercover operations, tactical safety, medical use, or compliance with health regulations. Violations could lead to civil lawsuits seeking at least $10,000 in damages or a misdemeanor charge. The law directly affects Kansas law enforcement agencies and officers, aiming to increase transparency during police interactions.

HB 2545 increases municipal court fee assessments from $22.50 to $28 per case where someone is found guilty, pleads guilty, no contest, forfeits bond, or completes diversion. This directly affects individuals facing municipal court cases in Kansas. The additional $5.50 per case is allocated as follows: $10 to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training Fund, $1 to the Crime Victims Assistance Fund, and smaller portions to other specific state funds like juvenile detention and law enforcement training. The bill amends Kansas statute 12-4117 to reflect these new fee amounts and funding allocations.

HB 2381 establishes a state program under the Attorney General to deploy firearm detection software in public buildings and accredited nonpublic schools. It requires the software to detect visible, unholstered firearms, integrate with existing security cameras, meet federal anti-terrorism certification, and be developed in the U.S. Public entities (like schools, hospitals, and government buildings) can apply to use the software. The bill creates a dedicated fund receiving $20 million from the state general fund starting July 2025 to cover program costs, with annual reports to legislative committees on implementation.

Died in Committee

Died in Committee