3/2/04-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed into law a bill that outlaws a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
The new law is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT. A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
Under HB2522, a person caught possessing the device would be charged with a misdemeanor. If a person using a transmitter caused an accident that resulted in injury or death to another person, the offense would become a felony.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.

2/26/04-A bill that would outlaw a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green is headed to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
The Senate unanimously approved the bill Feb. 18. The House previously approved the bill 120-3.
The measure is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT. The devices are designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
Under HB2522, sponsored by Rep. David Huff, R-Lenexa, a person caught possessing the device would be charged with a misdemeanor. If a person using a transmitter caused an accident that resulted in injury or death to another person, the offense would become a felony.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.

2/9/04-The House overwhelmingly approved a bill that would outlaw a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The House voted 120-3 Feb. 4 to advance the measure intended to deter unauthorized use of mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT. It has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
Under HB2522, sponsored by Rep. David Huff, R-Lenexa, a person caught possessing the device would be charged with a misdemeanor. If a person using a transmitter caused an accident that resulted in injury or death to another person, the offense would become a felony.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
For bill status, call (785) 296-2149. In Kansas, call 1-800-432-3924.

1/19/04-Rep. David Huff, R-Lenexa, has introduced a bill that would ban devices that allow drivers to change traffic lights from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. But some impatient drivers have managed to purchase them on the Internet.
HB2522 would make the sale, purchase or possession of a mobile infrared transmitter, or MIRT, a misdemeanor. However, if a person using a changer caused an accident that resulted in injury to another person or damage to property, the offense would become a felony.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
HB2522 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (785) 296-2149. In Kansas, call 1-800-432-3924.