Committee OKs bill letting cities allow golf carts on sidewalks, limits use to trips to/from golf course

The Senate Transportation Committee advanced Senate Bill 367 after a lengthy debate and an amendment that narrows its scope.

As introduced, SB 367 would allow a city governing body, by ordinance, to permit driving golf carts on sidewalks. The bill sets minimum driver requirements: operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Class C driver’s license.

Committee members discussed an amendment that would have limited permitted sidewalk use to sidewalks located within one mile of a golf course. Critics, including Senator Tyson, said a strict mile limit could exclude small rural communities that might still want local ordinances allowing limited sidewalk golf‑cart use. Senator Clay proposed confining use to travel "to and from the golf course" to reduce the potential for open cruising. "I think it get, like, kinda messy and, convoluted and not not productive," said Senator Schmidt, expressing concern about enforcement questions (for example, whether a driver is carrying clubs or simply cruising).

After discussion, the committee withdrew the strict one‑mile wheelhouse and adopted a revised amendment that limits permitted sidewalk operation to trips "to and from" a golf course, while leaving any specific distance or timing restrictions to local ordinance. Adam, who briefed the bill, said he was not aware of any statewide prohibition that would prevent a city from restricting operation in school zones — noting that cities could adopt such limits locally.

The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the committee then voted to pass SB 367 favorably as amended. Sponsors said the change strikes a balance between local control and targeted allowances for golf‑cart travel associated with courses.

Next steps: the bill will move to the Senate floor; the committee requested that the senator carrying the bill do so on the floor.