grandfathered right; Willcox AMA; extension

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin

HB 2031 lets Kansas driving and motorcycle instructors qualify with valid out-of-state licenses (including Class M), widening the instructor pool and easing student access.

Vetoed by Governor

Purpose

HB 2031 amends K.S.A. 8-276 to broaden where driving school and motorcycle instructors may hold their required licenses. The bill is intended to increase the pool of qualified instructors (particularly motorcycle instructors) by allowing properly credentialed out‑of‑state license holders to teach in Kansas.

Key provisions

Amends K.S.A. 8-276 and repeals the prior version of that section.

Removes the requirement that driving school instructors hold specifically a Kansas driver's license; instead permits instructors to hold "a valid driver's license issued by any other state."

For motorcycle instructors, requires (in addition to all other instructor qualifications) possession of a valid Class M driver's license or an equivalent motorcycle license issued by another state.

Retains existing instructor qualifications, including:

Evidence of driver education credit/credential (college credit, state teaching credential, or supervised training — 30 classroom / 24 behind‑the‑wheel hours under a licensed instructor with 3 years' experience).
Knowledge of the Kansas Operation Lifesaver highway/railroad safety program.
Physical ability to operate vehicles safely and a physician health certificate.
$5 application fee to the department.

Effective date: the act takes effect upon publication in the Kansas Register (per committee amendment).

Who is affected

Driving schools and motorcycle safety programs operating in Kansas.

Current and prospective driving and motorcycle instructors (including out‑of‑state instructors meeting Kansas training/credential requirements).

Students who rely on driver education and motorcycle safety classes (potentially greater instructor availability).

Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) and Kansas Department of Transportation for licensing/administrative verification (no substantive policy changes required).

Background & rationale

Introduced at the request of Rep. Resman on behalf of a constituent.

Proponent testimony (e.g., ABATE of Kansas, Rawhide Harley Davidson, Johnson County Community College) cited a shortage of motorcycle instructors and noted many candidates hold nationally recognized credentials (e.g., Motorcycle Safety Foundation) but not Kansas licenses.

KDOR provided neutral testimony and supported amending the statute to allow consistency for out‑of‑state qualified instructors.

Fiscal and procedural notes

Fiscal note (Division of the Budget) reports no fiscal effect for KDOR or the Department of Transportation.

Legislative actions: introduced January 2025, passed both chambers, enrolled and presented to the Governor, approved by the Governor on April 1, 2025. The law becomes effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.

Bill