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.
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 326 amends Kansas law to require that a law enforcement officer must have reasonable grounds to believe a driver was operating or attempting to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs before certifying a test failure. This affects drivers suspected of driving under the influence who fail an alcohol or drug test, as the officer’s certification must now explicitly document this belief alongside other details like the test result (0.08% BAC or higher) and the driver’s arrest or accident involvement. The bill standardizes the certification process to ensure it meets legal requirements before license suspension actions can proceed. This change clarifies procedural steps for officers and ensures consistency in handling DUI test failures.
HB 2498 reclassifies driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs while operating a commercial vehicle as a "person crime" in Kansas, increasing penalties for these offenses. It raises penalties for repeat convictions (e.g., second offense becomes a class A misdemeanor with a 90-day minimum jail term) and mandates pre-sentence alcohol/drug evaluations for all offenders. The bill also adds a 1-month jail enhancement if a driver with children under 18 is in the vehicle during the offense. These changes directly affect commercial drivers convicted of DUI, with stricter sentencing and additional requirements for repeat offenses and child endangerment.
HB 2499 requires individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or placed in diversion programs for DUI offenses to attend victim impact panel programs. These panels, run by approved nonprofit organizations, must be attended in person unless a court approves an online alternative due to impracticality. The bill permits nonprofits to charge up to $100 for the program and applies to all DUI convictions under Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-2,144 and 8-1567) starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects DUI offenders who face this requirement as part of their sentencing or diversion terms.
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 62 creates a new criminal offense in Kansas called "engaging in a street stunt," defined as operating two or more vehicles in a group while repeatedly violating traffic laws (like speeding, improper lane changes, or reckless driving) in a way that disrupts traffic flow, forces other drivers to stop or take evasive action for safety, damages property, or causes injury. Penalties include a Class A misdemeanor for first-time offenses involving traffic disruption, and felonies for causing damage or injury, with harsher penalties for repeat violations. The bill also amends existing law to include this new crime as a reason for additional charges when drivers flee or attempt to elude police. This law directly affects Kansas drivers who engage in such stunts, making them subject to these new criminal penalties.
This bill allows micro utility trucks (small vehicles used for maintenance tasks like utility work) to operate on state and public roads with a posted speed limit of 65 mph or lower. It requires these trucks to be properly registered, meet specific equipment standards, and only operate on qualifying roads - removing previous restrictions that banned them on most highways. The law changes existing state law to permit this use while maintaining safety conditions, directly affecting owners of these vehicles and local governments that previously controlled such operations. It repeals the prior prohibition and clarifies where micro utility trucks may legally operate.
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 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.
