Chairman Petersen opened the hearing on SB113.

Adam Siebers, Staff Revisor gave an explainer on the bill. There were no questions. (Attachment 1)

Catharine Magana testified as a proponent on SB113 stating that KDOT supports this bill as it relates to safety on the roadways. (Attachment 2) She added that this bill will change the definition of reckless driving to include driving 100+ mph or 35+ mph more than the posted speed limit. Drivers convicted of excessive speeding will face jail time and/or fines and these penalties will increase for subsequent offenses. 

Ed Klumpp, in his proponent testimony, supports SB113. (Attachment 3) He stated that every year since 2015, thousands of drivers have been ticketed for these speeds. SB113 proposes that those speeds be defined as reckless driving that are the very elements of the reckless driving violation in K.S.A. 8-1566, but the appellate courts have failed to make that connection.

Captain Matt Payne gave testimony in support of SB113. (Attachment 4) He said it would address excessive speeding by amending KSA 8-1566 to clarify when a driver's speed becomes reckless driving. Kansas case law holds that a driver's speed alone does not constitute reckless driving without aggravating factors.

Questions were asked by committee members.

Chairman Petersen closed the Hearing on SB113.