House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB17 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Requiring class M driver's licenses when operating a motorcycle registered under a temporary permit.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 6, 2019
Staff explained the bill and answered questions. The Chairman recognized Travis Lowe as the first proponent. (Attachment 1) According to Mr. Lowe SB17 ensures that any person driving a motorcycle on Kansas roads must have a Class M driver's license or learners permit.
The next proponent was Steve Christenberry. (Attachment 2) Mr. Christenberry said current statutes allow for an exemption from having the M endorsement on their driver's license for a period of time after purchasing a motorcycle and before their temporary license tag runs out after 60 days unless they already have the M endorsement. He said data collected on motorcycle crashes and fatalities show that nearly 50% of the motorcycle riders involved do not have the M endorsement on their driver's license.
Ed Klumpp was the next proponent. (Attachment 3) He said the associations he represents believe this bill will be a foundation for reducing motorcycle fatalities in Kansas. That this bill will remove the exemption from the requirement for a class M Driver's license endorsement or motorcycle learner's permit for persons operating motorcycles when the cycle has a temporary license plate.
The Chairman drew the Committee's attention to written testimony submitted in support of SB17 by: the Kansas Department of Transportation (Attachment 4) and Teresa Taylor, representing Safe Kids. (Attachment 5)
Chairman Proehl asked if there were other proponents, neutrals or opponents, there were none so the Chairman closed the hearing on SB17 and opened the hearing on SB39.
