“House Substitute for Senate Bill 366 takes concrete steps to make our communities safer for all – and safe communities are vital to making Kansas a state where people want to put down roots and raise their families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m pleased to sign smart, commonsense legislation that will help ensure drivers are distraction-free and schoolchildren, pedestrians, and constructions workers are protected.”

Under Senate Bill 366, individuals who use a cell phone while driving in school or construction zones will be subject to a warning citation. After July 1, 2027, individuals will be subject to a citation with a $60 fine. Additionally, this law permits the display of certain lighting in road construction zones by vehicles and trailers being used for highway construction and maintenance operations.

“We need to keep our kids and workers safe on the road. Car crashes and fatalities caused by distracted driving are far too prevalent in our state, with tragedy touching too many families,” said Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson. “Prohibiting cell phones in school and construction zones is a commonsense action to curb the inattention that leads to accidents. With the signing of this legislation, we are delivering on the promise to enhance public safety and protect Kansans from harm.”

By prohibiting and authorizing penalties for drivers’ cell phone use in school and construction zones, Senate Bill 366 aims to reduce accidents, protect children and construction workers, and ensure drivers are alert, focused, and distraction-free.

“Distracted driving from cell phone usage is one of the biggest preventable causes of traffic fatalities, injuries, and accidents,” said Representative for District 125 Shannon Francis. “This bill helps protect construction workers and school children where they are most vulnerable. We must build a culture of safety among Kansas drivers.”

In addition to House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2212: Authorizing the governor to make a declaration of need for enhanced public safety and security for an extraordinary event.

House Bill 2393: Authorizing the supreme court to impose a charge to fund the costs of non-judicial personnel through June 30, 2030.

House Bill 2511: Permitting money received from agricultural production on a state-owned property to be used for the management of all state-owned properties.

House Bill 2519: Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the Kansas Open Records Act.

House Bill 2622: Modifying the municipal lease-purchase protest petition requirements.

House Bill 2702: Providing that applicants for a physician assistant license submit to a criminal record check, providing for the collaboration between physicians and physician assistants, and requiring the revocation of a physician assistant license under certain circumstances.

House Bill 2761: Enacting the speech-language pathology assistant act to provide for the licensure of speech-language pathology assistants.

Senate Bill 55: Providing additional protections from exploitative contractors by prohibiting the assignment of benefits under certain property and casualty insurance contracts.

Senate Bill 425: Increasing the maximum annual registration fee limit for seed retailers and wholesalers and authorizing a late fee for registrations renewed after the registration deadline.