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Minutes for SB476 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Creating a crime for operating a motor vehicle at a speed of 100 miles per hour or more and providing a penalty therefor.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 15, 2024
The Chair opened the hearing on SB476.
Mr. Siebers briefed the Committee on the bill (Attachment 11). He said the bill creates a new traffic infraction for individuals found guilty of driving faster than 100 mile per hour; excessive speeding penalties will restrict a driver for 15 days (1st conviction), 30 days (2nd conviction), and suspended for 30 days after a third conviction.
Chris Bortz, Assistant Bureau Chief of Transportation Safety, Kansas Department of Transportation, testified as a proponent (Attachment 12). He cited speeding crash data (e.g., 94 fatalities in 2022) and stated that the bill will provide another tool to help curb dangerous driving.
Mr. Klumpp spoke as a proponent (Attachment 13). He stated that the bill addresses the persistent problem of high-speed driving, and he noted the alarming rise in citations for speeds above 100 mile per hour.
Colonel Eric Smith, Kansas Highway Patrol, introduced Captain Travis Phillips, Kansas Highway Patrol. Captain Phillips spoke in support of the bill (Attachment 14). He explained that driving at 100 miles per hour results in tunnel vision; a driver is less aware of all dangers except what is directly forward. He cited recent citations in excess of 100 miles per hour: 3309 in 2022; 3080 in 2023; 320 in the last 90 days; most drivers in the 18-22 years age range; many with suspended or no driver's license. He expressed hope that the bill will act as a deterrent for such driving. Responding to a question, he replied that 27% of the citations were issued to Kansas citizens; the remainder were out-of-state.
Written-only support was offered by:
- Mike Hoeme, Director of Transportation, Kansas Corporation Commission (Attachment 15);
- Greg Smith, Special Deputy Sheriff for Government Affairs, Johnson County Sheriff's Office (Attachment 16);
- Deann Williams, Executive Director, Kansas Motor Carriers Association (Attachment 17);
- Phyllis Larimore, Legislative Liaison for Safe Kids, Kansas (Attachment 18);
- Shawn Steward, Manager, Public and Government Affairs, AAA Kansas (Attachment 19).
The Chair closed the hearing on SB476.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 19, 2024.
