Transportation

SB 324 prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile telephones while operating a vehicle in school zones (during enforced reduced speed limits) or construction zones (with workers present). Exceptions include hands-free use, emergency calls, reporting illegal activity, or when the vehicle is safely stationary. Violations will initially result only in warning citations until July 1, 2027, rather than fines. The law defines "hands-free device" and excludes certain devices like emergency communication systems or commercial radios from the prohibition.

SB 119 increases the fees that county treasurers, the Division of Vehicles, or contractors can retain when processing motor vehicle license applications and title certificates. Specifically, it raises the retained amount from $0.75 to $5.75 per license application, $0.75 to $3.50 per title application, and adjusts county treasurer compensation formulas. These higher retained fees are meant to cover administrative costs for processing services. The bill amends Kansas law to reflect these increased retention amounts while directing remaining fees to specific state funds like the highway patrol and technology hardware accounts. It directly affects local government offices and contractors handling vehicle registration and title services.

Kansas SB 230 allows the Kansas Division of Vehicles to create or contract with entities to issue optional digital driver's licenses and digital identification cards through a secure electronic system. It requires strict privacy protections, including prohibiting contractors from selling or sharing user data without explicit consent, and mandates encryption standards for data transmission. The digital credentials must display only essential information for specific transactions (a "limited profile") and cannot be issued without a valid physical license first. This bill directly affects Kansas residents who hold driver's licenses or ID cards and choose to use the digital version, with fees established for these digital proofs.

HB 2121 increases annual license fees for electric/hybrid passenger vehicles, trucks, and electric motorcycles in Kansas. Specifically, it raises fees to $175 annually for all-electric passenger vehicles (from $100), $100 for electric hybrid plug-in vehicles (from $50), and $30 for all-electric motorcycles (from $16). These higher fees will be distributed to the state highway fund and special city and county highway funds. The bill directly affects owners of these vehicle types by increasing their registration costs, with the revenue designated for road infrastructure funding.

SB 312 designates a segment of U.S. Highway 36 within Phillipsburg (from its eastern to western city limits) as the "Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gaede Memorial Highway" to honor the Phillips County deputy who died in the line of duty in 2025. The bill requires the Kansas Department of Transportation to install official commemorative signage along this highway segment per state transportation laws. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or funding impacts.