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Minutes for SB79 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Modifying left turn lane traffic requirements.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 20, 2019
The Chairperson opened the hearing on SB 79. Assistant Revisor Adam Siebers briefed the committee, saying the bill amends regulations for drivers using left turn lanes in intersections.
Skyler Richardson, a police officer with the Lawrence Police Department, spoke as a proponent of SB 79. He referenced the specifics of left turns described in the Kansas Driving Handbook and said various officers and judges interpret the law in different ways. Mr. Richardson indicated that a clarification of SB 79 could benefit the safety of drivers and give officers specific measures for issuing traffic violations (Attachment 2).
Joel Skelley, Director of Policy, Kansas Department of Transportation, spoke on behalf of the agency indicating SB 79 would repeal and amend the existing section of K.S.A. 8-1545 concerning left turns at intersections (Attachment 3). Mr. Skelley provided an amendment with language included for semi-tractor trailers making left turns at certain intersections (Attachment 4).
The hearing on SB 79 was closed.
Chairperson Petersen requested consideration of SB 97. Staff distributed an amendment to SB 97. Senator Masterson moved to accept the proposed technical amendment and Senator Pettey seconded the motion. The amendment was adopted. Senator Masterson moved SB 97 to be passed favorably as amended. Senator Skubal seconded the motion. Without objection, the bill was passed as amended.
Chairperson Petersen called for consideration of SB 63. Mr. Siebers briefed members, saying the bill would allow cities to adopt an ordinance allowing drivers of transportation network companies to use any color except red on the front of their vehicles. Senator Hilderbrand moved to pass SB 63 favorably. Senator Hardy seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Chairperson Petersen requested consideration of SB 62. Mr. Siebers distributed an amendment and indicated the proposed amendment would allow police vehicles to engage in certain action without using audible and visual signals. Senator Braun moved to accept the proposed amendment. Senator Bowers seconded the motion. Senator Petersen offered a suggestion to have a substitute bill which could be easier to interpret. Senator Hilderbrand moved to provide a substitute bill for SB 62. Senator Braun seconded the motion. The motion passed.
The hearing on SB 62 was closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2019.
