Chairperson Petersen opened the Hearing on SB324.

Adam Siebers, Staff Revisor gave an explainer on SB324. (Attachment1) There were no questions.

Travis Lowe, on behalf of AAA testified as a proponent. (Attachment 2) He stated that SB324 would prohibit the handheld use of a cell phone for all drivers who drive through a work construction zone when workers are present and school zone during designated hours. SB324 does not ban the use of cell phones or other technology to be used in the vehicle. 

Joel Skelley gave testimony in support of SB324  (Attachment 3) He said eliminating hand-held use of mobile phones while driving in school and road construction zones would increase safety. If enacted, KDOT will develop and conduct an educational campaign alerting drivers of this lifesaving law change. 

Ed Klumpp (Attachment 4) He stated that failing to give full-time attention to driving continues to be a top contributing circumstance to Kansas traffic crashes. 

Michael White (Attachment 5) in his proponent testimony stated that SB324 would help improve the safety for thousand of construction workers who work among the traveling public each day.

Steven Duerst (Attachment 6) stated that SB324 will help reduce distracted driving in Kansas, which in turn will reduce crashes and save lives. 

Bob Eckhardt (Attachment 7)  In his proponent testimony he stands in favor of SB324 and understands the need to curtail the use of operating a mobile telephone while driving. As an amateur licensed radio operator he thanks the supporters of SB324 by exempting licensed radio operators from this requirement.

Captain Matt Payne (Attachment 8) stated in his testimony that SB324 addresses the problem of clarifying that sufficient evidence for a violation is obtained, subject to certain exceptions, when a driver is observed holding a cellphone while operating a motor vehicle in certain zones. By requiring drivers to use their cellphones hands-free or not at all, drivers remain more focused on the road and on others. 

Questions were asked by committee members.

Proponent, written only testimony was submitted by:

Phyllis Larimore, Legislative Liaison for Safe Kids Kansas (Attachment 9) 

Dirk Camilletti, Private Citizen (Attachment 10)

Nicole Allensworth, Private Citizen (Attachment 11)

There was no Opponent or Neutral verbal-in person testimony.

There was no Opponent or Neutral written only testimony testimony.

Chairperson Petersen closed the hearing on SB324.

Chairperson Petersen adjourned the meeting at 9:05 a.m. The next scheduled meeting is January 28, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.