The bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 74-2113 to establish the structure and appointment process for the Kansas Highway Patrol. It creates a hierarchy within the patrol, including a superintendent with the rank of colonel, an assistant superintendent with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and other officers and troopers. The superintendent is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, while the assistant superintendent is appointed by the superintendent. The bill specifies that the superintendent and assistant superintendent are part of the unclassified service under the Kansas civil service act, and outlines the qualifications and requirements for trooper appointments, including citizenship, age, criminal background checks, education, and physical health.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that restrict members of the patrol from holding other elective or appointive offices, accepting certain types of employment or compensation, and receiving rewards or gifts related to their duties without permission. The existing law, K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 74-2113, is repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-2113, 12-105a