Kansas House Bill 22 allows cities to reduce residential speed limits to 25 mph

The House Committee on Transportation convened on February 13, 2025, to discuss House Bill 22, which proposes amendments to local speed limit regulations in residential districts. The bill aims to empower local authorities to lower speed limits to 25 miles per hour without the need for an engineering and traffic investigation, a process currently required for any changes to speed limits.

The bill amends KSA 8-15-60, which governs the authority of local jurisdictions to adjust speed limits. Presently, local authorities can reduce speed limits in residential areas to 20 miles per hour, contingent upon an engineering study that determines the safety and reasonableness of such limits. The proposed legislation would simplify this process, allowing for a more flexible approach to speed limit adjustments.

During the meeting, Representative Francis Auerkamp, a proponent of the bill, highlighted the cumbersome and costly nature of the current engineering study requirement. He noted that cities often face confusion regarding the necessity and scope of these studies, which can lead to delays in implementing safer speed limits. Auerkamp shared examples from his experience on the city council, where the process has proven to be inefficient and unclear.

Committee members raised questions regarding the implications of the proposed speed limit change. Representative Collins inquired whether cities could set limits lower than 25 miles per hour under the new bill, to which Auerkamp confirmed that they could, but any reduction below 25 would still necessitate an engineering study.

Wendy Stark from the League of Kansas Municipalities expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its alignment with principles of safety and local governance. She noted that the legislation would provide municipalities with the flexibility to address speed limits in a manner that best serves their communities, without imposing undue financial burdens.

The committee also discussed potential concerns about the bill's impact on local home rule. Stark clarified that the bill does not mandate speed limit changes but rather offers local governments the option to lower limits if they choose to do so.

The meeting concluded without a formal vote, but the discussions underscored a growing interest in streamlining local traffic regulations to enhance safety in residential areas. If passed, the provisions of House Bill 22 would take effect on July 1, 2025, potentially reshaping how speed limits are managed across Kansas municipalities.