This resolution expresses support for federal funding and authorization of a program designed to research and develop affordable, domestically made drones for public safety use. It specifically encourages the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund projects that create small, uncrewed aerial systems in the United States to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers. The document also endorses the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025, which restricts the federal government and its grant recipients from purchasing or operating DJI drones. Additionally, the resolution supports a provision requiring the Department of Defense to assess and potentially ban DJI drones within a year due to security concerns.
This bill prohibits drivers from using mobile phones without hands-free devices while operating vehicles in school zones or construction zones where workers are present. It applies to all drivers except law enforcement and emergency personnel, those safely stopped, or those using hands-free equipment. The law includes exceptions for reporting crimes, preventing injuries, summoning emergency help, and certain professional communications. Violations will result in warning citations that expire on July 1, 2027, and police cannot confiscate phones without consent except under specific legal conditions.
SB 498 creates a new income tax credit for retailers selling higher ethanol blends (like E-85) while eliminating an existing tax credit for purchasing alternative-fuel vehicles or building fueling stations. The bill amends Kansas tax law to replace previous credits for vehicle/fueling station investments with this new retail-focused credit. It directly affects fuel retailers who sell ethanol blends and removes financial incentives for businesses buying alternative-fuel vehicles or installing fueling infrastructure. The policy shift redirects tax support from vehicle/fueling station purchases toward retail ethanol sales, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.
SB 439 establishes a standardized process for utilities (like electric, gas, water, and broadband companies) to build, maintain, or modify infrastructure that crosses or runs parallel to railroad corridors in Kansas. It requires utilities to provide railroads with 30-120 days' notice before work begins, submit engineering designs meeting safety standards, pay fees, and carry insurance. Railroads can object to projects, and disputes must be resolved by the state Corporation Commission. The law applies to new work or renewals after July 1, 2026, and specifically excludes most electric cooperatives unless they opt in.
HB 2697 makes it a crime to possess, with intent to steal, computer programs, software, or devices designed to operate vehicle locks without keys, copy vehicle information, or interfere with vehicle functions. This directly affects individuals attempting to steal vehicles using digital tools, while exempting legitimate professionals like dealers, locksmiths, law enforcement, and auto repair businesses. The bill expands existing law - which previously targeted physical theft-detection shielding devices - to cover digital methods used in modern car theft. It does not change penalties for other theft-related offenses but specifically targets the digital tools enabling keyless vehicle theft.
SB 495, the Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Act, requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repair facilities and vehicle owners with access to diagnostic tools, parts, software, and mechanical data (like vehicle diagnostics and telematics) at the same cost and terms offered to dealers. It directly affects independent repair shops (which are not affiliated with dealers/manufacturers) and Kansas vehicle owners by giving them equal access to repair information and tools previously controlled by manufacturers. The bill establishes a Motor Vehicle Repair Board under the Attorney General to manage secure data access, set standards, and investigate violations. Key provisions mandate standardized, non-authorized access to vehicle diagnostic systems for all makes/models sold in Kansas, including commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds, and require manufacturers to sell repair components to independent shops on par with dealer pricing.
SB 324 prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile telephones while operating a vehicle in school zones (during enforced reduced speed limits) or construction zones (with workers present). Exceptions include hands-free use, emergency calls, reporting illegal activity, or when the vehicle is safely stationary. Violations will initially result only in warning citations until July 1, 2027, rather than fines. The law defines "hands-free device" and excludes certain devices like emergency communication systems or commercial radios from the prohibition.
HB 2522 allows highway construction and maintenance vehicles to display flashing amber, white, or green lights continuously in road construction zones, and permits stationary vehicles to use flashing white and blue lights during nighttime hours (sunset to sunrise) when workers are present. The bill directly affects construction crews and equipment operators working on road projects by updating Kansas traffic laws to permit these specific lighting configurations. It repeals previous restrictions (K.S.A. 8-1729 and 8-1731) that limited such lights to emergency vehicles or specific conditions. The Kansas Secretary of Transportation must establish rules for the design and use of these lights under the new provisions.
HB 2469 expands a tax credit for railroad track maintenance in Kansas, allowing eligible businesses to apply the credit against income tax, premium taxes, or privilege fees - not just income tax as before. It directly affects class II/III railroads and rail siding owners (eligible taxpayers), as well as their customers (e.g., businesses using short-line rail) and vendors (e.g., maintenance service providers). Unused credits can be transferred to other businesses paying those specific taxes within five years, with a cap of $5,000 per mile of track or $5,000 per rail siding annually, and a total annual limit of $8.72 million. The bill changes how these credits are applied and shared, making them more flexible for qualifying rail-related businesses.
HB 2583 requires commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in Kansas to carry specific identification documents (including a valid license, work visa, and proof of citizenship like a passport or birth certificate) and demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. It applies to all commercial drivers in Kansas, including nonresidents, and mandates that violations result in a class B misdemeanor and fines. Fines collected from violations must be deposited into the state’s human trafficking victim assistance fund. The bill modifies Kansas’ commercial driver licensing laws to add these requirements and outlines procedures for employers to handle vehicles during violations, such as transferring cargo if a compliant driver isn’t available within 12 hours.
