The Chair opened the hearing on HB2522.

Chris Waggoner gave the committee a briefing on the bill. (Attachment 1)

Michael White gave proponent testimony to the committee in that the bill, with the additional lighting measures, would more effectively secure the attention of the drivers, encouraging them to slow down as they approach work zones and make Kansas roads safer. (Attachment 2)

Colin Solsberg brought proponent testimony to the committee personally attesting to the importance of improved lighting and visibility while working on a nighttime guardrail project on I-470 in 2019. The bill represents a meaningful step forward in the use of amber, white, and green lighting for nighttime operations enhancing visibility safety in roadway work zones. (Attachment 3)

Kevin Shelton brought proponent testimony  data that shows work zones remain one of the most dangerous areas on Kansas roadways. The use of the technology addressed in the bill would give drivers earlier warning, better information and more time to react, reducing the number of traffic fatalities. (Attachment 4)

Joel Skelly, gave testimony on behalf of Kansas Department of Transportation supporting HB2522 as the legislation further enhances the safety of the traveling public and those that work on Kansas roadways. (Attachment 5)

Ed Klumpp brought opposing testimony in that the bill proposes the allowance of blue lighting on construction vehicles even if the vehicle is stationary. Blue and red lights are recognized nationwide as emergency vehicle lighting and should stay restricted to emergency vehicle use.  (Attachment 6)

Oral neutral testimony was brought by Wendi Stark on behalf of the League of Kansas Municipalities as the bill addresses under the  current law police and emergency vehicles are the only vehicles authorized to display flashing, rotating or oscillating blue lights.  The use of "blue lights" in the bill could confuse the public, the  worker and  the driver's  safety on Kansas roadways. They request that the committee consider striking the words of " blue lights" from the proposed language of HB2522. (Attachment 7)       

Written only proponent testimony was provided to the committee by Steve Hewitt. (Attachment 8 )

Written opponent testimony was provided to the committee by Mark Engholm. (Attachment 9)

Written neutral testimony was provided by Lt. Roy Wise.  (Attachment 10)

The Chair closed the hearing on HB2522.

The committee meeting  adjourned at 3:00 P.M.