Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB476

Introduced

2/7/24

Refer

2/8/24

Report Pass

2/21/24

Failed

4/30/24

Caption

Creating a crime for operating a motor vehicle at a speed of 100 miles per hour or more and providing a penalty therefor.

Impact

If enacted, SB 476 would modify the current statutes relating to traffic offenses, specifically addressing the issue of excessive speeding. The legislation amends K.S.A. 8-255 and K.S.A. 8-2116, with the intention of reinforcing penalties for high-speed driving. First-time offenders would face a 15-day restriction on their driving privileges, escalating to a 30-day restriction for second offenses, and a license suspension for third offenses within three years. Advocates for the bill argue that these measures may deter reckless driving and reduce the risk of highway accidents.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 476 seeks to create a new crime for operating a motor vehicle at a speed of 100 miles per hour or more, reclassifying excessive speeding as a criminal offense. The bill stipulates varying penalties for subsequent offenses, including restrictions on driving privileges and potential suspension after repeated convictions. By establishing a clear legal framework for excessive speeding, the bill aims to enhance road safety and enforce stricter adherence to traffic regulations in Kansas.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise over the appropriateness of criminalizing excessive speeding, as opponents could argue that existing penalties are sufficient and that this bill could exacerbate the judicial burden. There may also be concerns regarding the effectiveness of such restrictions in actually reducing speeds on the roads, and whether the consequences are proportionate to the behavior being addressed. Additionally, questions about the administrative processes for offenders seeking hearings on their driving restrictions could be points of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2146

Increasing penalties for operating a vehicle at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour over the speed limit.

KS SB113

Including operating a motor vehicle at a speed of 100 miles per hour or more and 35 miles per hour over the posted speed limit under the crime of reckless driving.

KS SB62

Creating the crime of engaging in a street stunt, providing criminal penalties therefor and adding engaging in a street stunt to the list of crimes included in fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

KS HB2656

Creating the crime of engaging in a street stunt, providing criminal penalties therefor and adding the new offense as a method of committing fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

KS HB2260

Prohibiting the use of an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle and providing penalties for violations thereof.

KS SB122

Prohibiting the use of an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle and providing penalties for violations thereof.

KS SB426

Creating a crime for injuring or causing death of certain authorized emergency vehicle operators and establishing penalties therefor and increasing penalties for unlawful passing of stationary authorized emergency vehicle.

KS HB2680

Creating a traffic infraction for leaving a child eight years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle and providing penalties for violations therefor and requiring the division of vehicles to disseminate information related to the danger of leaving children unattended in vehicles in driver's education materials.

KS SB282

AN ACT relating to penalties for speeding violations and making an appropriation therefor.

KS HB2200

Creating a traffic infraction for not securely storing a firearm in an unattended vehicle, providing exceptions and penalties therefor and requiring the office of the attorney general to conduct a secure storage of firearms educational campaign and create materials therefor.

Similar Bills

KS SB500

Providing restricted driving privileges for certain individuals that fail to comply with a traffic citation, authorizing certain individuals with revoked driving privileges to be eligible for restricted driving privileges and permitting such individuals to drive to and from dropping off or picking up children from school or child care, to and from purchasing groceries or fuel and to and from religious worship services.