TOPEKA — Inspired by Patriot Guard motorcycle riders at his uncle’s funeral procession, a Kansas legislator wants drivers to yield to funeral motorcades.
Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said the Patriot Guard — an organization which will stand guard over funerals of military or first responders killed in action — aided the procession by managing traffic and allowing mourners to give proper honor to the fallen veteran. The experience led Pittman to the discovery that Kansas had yet to define or recognize funeral processions.
“If a car were to hit one of these escort volunteers, or any vehicle for that matter, the vehicles in the procession could be at fault just because they were technically breaking the law,” Pittman said.
A bill heard Tuesday before the House Transportation Committee would address this issue by providing the right of way to any funeral procession escorted by a lead vehicle with flashing lights or an escort like the Patriot Guard. Anyone violating these proposed rules would face a $20 fine.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ken Collins, R-Mulberry, would not infringe upon cities and counties that already regulate funeral proceedings.
“Rules concerning funeral processions are currently established on a county-by-county, city-by-city basis, if they exist at all. There is no consistency,” said Pam Scott, executive director for the Kansas Funeral Directors Association. “This creates confusion when a funeral procession passes through numerous cities and counties while on the way to a cemetery.”
Scott said a statewide law would also allow better driver education through the state drivers handbook on conduct when operating an automobile near a funeral procession.
Last year, the same bill was filed by Pittman, then a member of the House, and died due to inaction after passing favorably through the transportation committee.
This year, a Senate version of the bill removed the $20 fine for violators. Pittman said the change was because of concern expressed by chamber leadership, although he voiced personal support for some sort of penalty.
Several members of the House panel expressed concern with the removal of this fine. Rep. Joe Seiwert, R-Pretty Prairie, questioned how this rule would be enforced if there was not some sort of repercussion for disobedience.
Rep. Leo Delperdang, R-Wichita, pushed for first responders to be included alongside military funeral processions when defining what a “funeral escort” means. Delperdang, who has himself participated in these processions as a member of the Patriot Guard, said the law was long overdue.
