Council adopts updated Uniform Public Offense Code incorporating new 'halo' provision
Council adopted Ordinance 2026-24 to incorporate the League of Kansas Municipalities' 2026 Uniform Public Offense Code; staff highlighted incorporation of a 'halo' law (prohibiting approach within 25 feet of an officer in certain circumstances) and other minor changes to theft and animal-cruelty provisions.
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Spencer Lau (city attorney) explained the annual update to the city's incorporation of the League of Kansas Municipalities' Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC), moving from the 2025 version to the 2026 edition. He described the most substantive change as incorporation of the 'halo' law that makes it a Class B misdemeanor for an individual to approach a police officer after being directed not to, and to come within 25 feet of the officer while the officer is engaged in law-enforcement duties. Lau also noted updates to theft definitions and an exception clarifying that taking a feral cat for spay/neuter or veterinary treatment is allowed.
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