Governor Kelly cuts red tape to get Kansans back on the road
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly Friday signed Senate Bill 500 cutting red tape for Kansans stuck in a cycle of increasing fines while trying to pay for the reinstatement of their drivers license.
“This bill puts a stop to the cycle of hardship that Kansans face when their drivers license is suspended, and they are subsequently unable to pay off the debt that accumulates,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This piece of legislation brings necessary reform to our court system, so Kansans can obtain a restricted license, allowing them to get to their jobs as they work to pay off their traffic fines.”
Current law requires those who fail to comply with a traffic citation to pay their fees in full within 30 days. If they don’t, their license is suspended.
Senate Bill 500 allows courts to restrict certain individuals’ licenses rather than suspend them so they can continue to be able to drive to school, work, and church as they make payments on the fees they owe. This bill will take effect on January 1, 2025.
“I am proud to have championed this transformative legislation that will remove barriers to help ensure Kansans are able to get to work, school, and home while paying off traffic fines,” said Kansas State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, District 29.
“This bill will help those Kansans continue to take care of their responsibilities and contribute to their communities while they work their way through the legal system,” she said .
Kansans who have failed to comply with a traffic citation will be able to petition the court to waive or reduce payment of their court costs. Additionally, fines to reinstate an individual’s license are capped at $100 to prevent further debt.
“It was a pleasure to help bring Republican majorities together with our friends across the aisle to promote solutions for Kansans caught in a loop of mistakes and bad decisions,” said Kansas State Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn, District 35. “I’m proud to give eligible drivers a new chance at responsible citizenship.”
“Senate Bill 500, for me, is more than just a great bill for Kansans. It’s more than just the right thing to do. It also serves as a reminder of Gail Finney’s powerful legacy in which my footsteps are entrenched, and that good work continues in her absence,” said Kansas State Representative Ford Carr, District 84. “Thank you again, Gail Finney, for allowing me to be a part of your final chapter and lasting legacy.”
This bill builds on a law Governor Kelly signed in 2021 that modified eligibility requirements for restricted driving privileges.