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Kansas hearing spotlights bill to ban handheld phone use in active school and construction zones
Summary
Senate Bill 324 would bar handheld mobile-phone use by drivers in active school zones during designated hours and in construction zones when workers are present, with limited exemptions, a $60 fine, and a one-year warning period. Supporters from AAA, KDOT, law enforcement and contractors urged the committee to advance the bill.
A sponsor introduced Senate Bill 324 to the Kansas Senate Transportation Committee as a narrowly drawn ban on handheld mobile-phone use in two specific settings: school zones during their posted hours and construction zones when workers are present. The measure would exempt law-enforcement and emergency personnel acting within their duties, drivers of stopped vehicles where it is safe to remain stationary, hands-free use, and several other limited circumstances. The sponsor said: "The fine for those found guilty, under this new infraction would be, $60, and the bill also provides a provision where law enforcement would be required to give a warning citation to a driver who violates this provision until 07/01/2027."
