SB 305 reclassifies driving a commercial vehicle under the influence (DUI) as a "person crime" in Kansas, meaning it now carries harsher penalties than standard DUI offenses. The bill specifically affects commercial drivers (e.g., truckers, bus operators) convicted of DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher. Key provisions include tiered penalties: first offense is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine), second offense is a Class A misdemeanor (90 days-1 year jail, $1,750 fine), and third or subsequent offenses become a felony (minimum 30 days confinement). It also adds mandatory alcohol evaluations, enhanced penalties if children are in the vehicle, and allows community service as an alternative to fines.
SB 122 prohibits drivers in Kansas from manually using electronic communication devices (like phones, tablets, or gaming devices) while operating a motor vehicle. It bans holding devices, texting, making calls, watching videos, or entering data, except for voice-operated hands-free features, navigation, or emergency communications. Key exceptions include commercial drivers using voice control while seated and restrained, school bus operators only for official communication, and all drivers using devices while stopped. The law directly affects all drivers on public roads, with penalties for violations, aiming to reduce distracted driving.
HB 2260 prohibits drivers in Kansas from manually using electronic communication devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. It bans activities including holding devices, texting, making calls, watching videos, or entering data, with exceptions for hands-free use (for noncommercial vehicles), emergency personnel, and commercial drivers using voice-activated features or permanently mounted navigation systems. The law applies to all drivers except those in specific exemptions, such as law enforcement during emergencies or school bus operators during loading/unloading. Violations carry penalties as specified in the bill, replacing the previous Kansas statute (K.S.A. 8-15,111).
HB 2137 allows Kansas school districts to partner with private vendors to install and maintain video cameras on school buses that capture vehicles illegally passing stopped buses (violating K.S.A. 8-1556). School districts must approve the vendor via a board resolution, and the Department of Education will collect civil penalties from violators, which fund a new School Bus Safety and Education Fund. This fund covers camera system costs, verification of violations, and public education about the dangers of illegally passing school buses. The Kansas Highway Patrol verifies captured violations using recorded images, and penalties are sent directly to the vehicle owner via mail. The bill directly affects school districts, drivers who illegally pass school buses, and the state's school bus safety funding.
