New Kansas bill could lead to the legalization of drinking and driving

On Thursday, February 8, SB492 was introduced to the Kansas Senate. The next day, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs. 

The bill would repeal the prohibition of transporting alcoholic beverages in opened containers as well as drinking alcohol inside vehicles while on public streets, alleys, roads, and highways.

The bill takes out two important pieces in Section 8 K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 41-719.

Sect. 8 (a)(1) currently reads:

“Except as otherwise provided herein and in K.S.A. 8-1599, and amendments thereto, no person shall drink or consume alcoholic liquor on the public streets, alleys, roads or highways or inside vehicles while on the public streets, alleys, roads or highways.”

Sect. 8 (a)(1) would be changed to read:

“Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall drink or consume alcoholic liquor on the public streets, alleys, roads or highways.”

Furthermore, Sect. 8 (3) currently reads:

“Consumption of alcoholic liquor on public streets, alleys, roads, sidewalks or highways must be approved, by ordinance or resolution, by the local governing body of any city, county or township where such consumption will occur. No alcoholic liquor may be consumed inside vehicles while on public streets, alleys, roads or highways at any time.”

Sect. 8 (3) would be changed to read:

“Consumption of alcoholic liquor on public streets, alleys, roads, sidewalks or highways must be approved, by ordinance or resolution, by the local governing body of any city, county or township where such consumption will occur.”

It is important to understand that this bill would NOT legalize drunk driving.

To read the full 12-page bill, click here.