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HB 2149

Establish a safety standoff area for damage electric vehicles placed at repair holding lots and/or salvage yards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Browning and 2 co-sponsors

HB 2149 establishes safety standards for handling damaged electric vehicles in Kansas, protecting the public and emergency responders from fire hazards and battery risks.

To House Enviroment, Infrastructure, and Technology
#motorvehicles
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Bill Summary · HB 2149

Summary of House Bill 2149

Bill Number: HB 2149
Title: Establish a safety standoff area for damaged electric vehicles placed at repair holding lots and/or salvage yards
Status: To House Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Motor Vehicles

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2149 aims to enhance safety protocols for the handling, storage, and repair of damaged electric vehicles (EVs) in Kansas. The bill recognizes the unique risks associated with electric vehicles, particularly concerning fire hazards and battery management, and seeks to establish safety standards to protect both the public and emergency responders.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several critical provisions:

  1. Safety Guidelines:

    • The Division of Motor Vehicles and the State Fire Marshal are authorized to create safety requirements for the transportation, towing, repair, dismantling, and storage of damaged electric vehicles.
    • Guidelines will incorporate recognized standards for handling electric vehicles, focusing on preventing fire hazards and ensuring safe battery management.

  2. Towing Requirements:

    • Tow operators must transport damaged electric vehicles to an offsite location for inspection.
    • Vehicles should be towed on flatbeds to prevent voltage generation from turning wheels, with strict speed limits if wheels must be turned.

  3. Storage Protocols:

    • A two-barrier method for storing damaged electric vehicles is mandated. This includes:
      • Maintaining a distance of 50 feet from combustibles and structures.
      • Alternatively, creating a physical barrier using earth, steel, concrete, or solid masonry around the vehicle.

  4. Inspection Procedures:

    • Upon arrival at the storage site, vehicles will be inspected for battery damage and other safety concerns, including checking for deployed airbags.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2149 will primarily affect:
- Tow Operators: They will need to comply with new towing and inspection protocols for electric vehicles.
- Repair Facilities and Salvage Yards: These entities will be required to implement safety measures for storing damaged electric vehicles.
- Emergency Responders: Enhanced safety standards will provide better guidelines for handling emergencies involving electric vehicles.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill is currently under consideration by the House Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology Committee.
  • It was introduced on January 29, 2025, and has undergone various legislative processes, including committee reviews and potential amendments.

Conclusion

House Bill 2149 is a proactive measure to address the safety challenges posed by the increasing presence of electric vehicles on Kansas roads. By establishing clear guidelines for their handling and storage, the bill aims to mitigate risks associated with damaged electric vehicles, thereby enhancing public safety and emergency response effectiveness.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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