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Minutes for HB2087 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Allowing certain light screening material on motor vehicle windows.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 21, 2019
Chairperson Petersen called the meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. and opened the hearing on HB2087.
Revisor Adam Siebers briefed the Committee on the bill. He explained that the bill expands current law to allow, with a licensed optometrist's recommendation, a transparent material below the AS1 line on the windshield of a vehicle.
Members raised questions about subsequent owners of a vehicle with a modified windshield or whether a notice is needed to accompany the vehicle. Mr. Siebers commented that the bill does not address those questions.
The Chair welcomed Peyton Madden and his parents, Kyle and Sarah Madden, as proponents for the bill (Attachment 1). Peyton recounted his susceptibility to direct sunlight, exposure which has resulted in skin cancers. His parents added their testimony. Ms. Madden noted that current law does not permit window film below the AS1 line on a car's windshield. The bill will allow a clear window film that can block 99.9% of UV rays without reducing a driver's visibility.
Members discussed the implications and nuances raised by the bill. A member questioned whether or not the proposed transparent material used on the windshield would be considered sunscreen, and, if the material does not meet the definition of sunscreen, whether the bill is necessary. Another member noted that the current technology used to evaluate sunscreen's diminution of light would always allow the transparent material to pass.
Ed Klumpp, representing the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, the Kansas Sherriffs Association, and the Kansas Peace Officers Association, agreed that the transparent material on the windshield would always pass a test. He also noted that manufacturers' windshields since the 1970s block UV rays; however, replacement windshields may not. He added that the states that allow the material on windshields usually stipulate the recommendation of an optometrist. Responding to a question, Mr. Klumpp replied that the prohibition of any material below the AS1 line is a federal regulation. Regarding enforcement, he said any material with bubbles would not pass muster and that, if the bill passes, he recommended that the wording be clear enough to facilitate enforcement. He also offered to provide further written information for the Committee.
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2087.
