Kansas Corporation Commission adopts permanent motor‑carrier safety regulations, including new out‑of‑service criteria

The Kansas Corporation Commission on June 30 adopted permanent motor‑carrier safety regulation KR8241 after a staff presentation and a public hearing at which no members of the public registered to speak.

Assan Latif, appearing on behalf of commission staff, summarized that the amendments update state rules to more recent versions of federal Code of Federal Regulations referenced in Kansas law and to adopt an updated North American Out of Service (OOS) Criteria. Latif said the OOS update — requested by the Kansas Highway Patrol — clarified when inspectors can place a driver out of service, including situations where a driver cannot demonstrate English‑language proficiency at roadside. “Now they would be placed out of service and a new driver would have to come relieve them before they would be allowed to continue their operations,” Latif said.

Latif told the commission staff had published notice in the Kansas Register on April 23 and that the publication satisfied the Kansas Rules and Regulations Filing Act’s minimum 60‑day public‑comment requirement, so staff recommended the commission find notice proper and proceed. The commission found notice proper, heard the staff presentation and received no oral or written public comments during the hearing.

Chair French and Commissioner Kether then voted by roll call to adopt the permanent version of KR8241; Commissioner Keane was absent. Latif said staff will transmit the adopted regulation to the Secretary of State for publication and requested a certificate to complete the administrative step. The commission approved sending the certificate.

The commission concluded the public hearing portion and returned to general business before adjourning.