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Minutes for HB2605 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Allowing motor vehicles to operate in a platoon.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 15, 2018
The Chairman recognized Tom Whitaker as the first proponent. (Attachment 2) Mr. Whitaker explained that "platooning means two or more individual motor vehicles traveling in a unified manner at electronically coordinated speeds and following distances that are closer than defined by current law. Mr. Whitaker requested two amendments to HB2605. One would strike the words "or more" from line 6 of the bill and the second amendment would strike the words, "a four-lane divided highway" on line 35 and add "the national interstate highway system under an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to demonstrate platooning." He stood for questions.
Captain Chris Turner was the next proponent on HB2605. (Attachment3) According to Captain Turner truck platooning has many safety benefits. He said truck platooning can improve carrier fuel economy and lower operating costs as well as decrease the likelihood of a collision. He said driver behavior is the leading cause of motor vehicle crashes and technology can help eliminate or reduce the risk of human error and driver distraction. He stood for questions.
There were no other proponents so the Chairman called for opponents to HB2605. The Chairman recognized Derrick Metzger who stood in opposition to this bill. (Attachment 4) According to Mr. Metzger they do not feel that this technology is completely tested and they do not feel it is safe. Mr. Metzger said in their opinion there are too many questions and concerns about safety with this technology for the state to move forward to implement legislation.
Chairman Proehl drew the Committee's attention to written testimony in opposition to HB2605 provided by George Hanna. (Attachment 5) The Chairman asked if there were any other opponents and Steve Christenberry representing ABATE stepped forward and said they were in opposition to this bill.
The next conferee was Josh Powell with KDOT providing neutral testimony. (Attachment 6) Mr. Powell testified that KDOT recognizes the operational and fuel-saving benefits of permitting motor vehicles to travel in a platoon. He said KDOT does not oppose the allowance of motor vehicles traveling in a platoon on Kansas highways, however, before the language of the bill is finalized, KDOT would like to see the sponsor of the bill (MCA) engage in a dialogue with others on this topic to see how traveling in a platoon might impact the every day maintenance and operations of Kansas highways.
There were no other proponent, opponents or neutrals so after all questions were answered the Chairman closed the hearing on HB2605 and opened the hearing on HB2632.
