Bill to require marked, people‑transport vehicles for detainees laid over after extensive questions

Representative Finke presented House File 3358, which would require officers and agents who detain or transport people to use vehicles designed for moving people (including safety restraints) and include conspicuous markings identifying the law-enforcement agency that owns or leases the vehicle, subject to listed exceptions.

Finke said the proposal responds to incidents elsewhere where people were transported in rental or moving trucks and argued the change is a common-sense safety measure. The committee adopted the D E 2 author's amendment to put the bill in the presentable form, and members then raised multiple practical concerns: whether the state can compel federal agents (supremacy-clause issues), whether unmarked vehicles used for legitimate investigative purposes would be unduly restricted, how the bill would address temporary rentals or out-of-state transports, and whether children/juveniles require different handling.

Representative Witte and others noted that many agencies use unmarked vehicles for juvenile transports and that Department of Public Safety and state patrol input prompted removal of seat-belt language (DPS uses buses without seat belts). Representative Finke agreed to consider minors and other exceptions and said the bill would be laid over while the author consults with agencies and possibly secures a fiscal note. The committee agreed to lay HF3358 over as amended so the author can incorporate practical adjustments and feedback.

Next steps: The bill was laid over for revision; the author plans to work with law enforcement and members to address exceptions, clarify "conspicuous markings," and consider fiscal impacts.