Ending Driver's License Suspensions for Unpaid Fees and Fines in Kansas

In 2021, Kansas made progress on limiting the harmful impact of driver's license suspensions by increasing access to its restricted driver's license program, allowing individuals to petition a court to waive fines and fees due to manifest hardship, and reducing unnecessary punitive suspension extensions. Yet, there is still much work to be done.

While the best and the simplest solution is simply to end the practice–much like we saw in Utah, Nevada, and Oregon this year–some elected officials and law enforcement voices in Kansas remain unconvinced. On the other hand, many of these same people demonstrated support for ensuring all Kansans have access to low-cost payment plans that allow individuals to limit financial costs that are unpayable and lead to driver's license suspensions. Legislation to this end made strong progress in the Kansas Legislature in 2021 but ultimately did not pass despite receiving support from multiple organizations as well as dozens of individuals who spoke to the real-world impact this would have on Kansans who struggle financially.

Renewing efforts to end driver's license suspensions represents another potential step forward for Kansas on this issue. Kansas can continue to make important progress with the support of the Coalition for Public Safety and increased strategic advocacy to conservative leaders and law enforcement officials.