Kansas hearing spotlights bill to ban handheld phone use in active school and construction zones

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."