Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Attorney’s Office

TO:	Toni R. Wheeler, City Attorney
FROM:	Chad J. Sublet, Staff Attorney
Date:	August 13, 2012
RE:	Ordinance 8779 – 2012 Standard Traffic Ordinance

BACKGROUND

Each year, the City of Lawrence adopts the most recent version of the Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO) prepared by the League of Kansas Municipalities.  The STO is a model traffic code based upon Kansas state law, and its adoption allows for the prosecution of most traffic violations in our municipal court.  New editions are required annually in order to respond to the changes made to the traffic laws each legislative session.

DISCUSSION

The primary changes to this year’s edition came with the adoption of legislation pertaining to Operating under the Influence (“OUI”).  In the 2012 legislative session, The Kansas Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, SB60.  In June, the City of Lawrence adopted Ordinance No. 8751 which amended the 2011 STO to account for these OUI changes prior to the STO becoming available for purchase and adoption.  The attached Ordinance 8779 repeals Ordinance 8751 as the legislative changes are incorporated into the new STO.

ACTION

Adopt on first reading, Ordinance 8779 – “2012 Standard Traffic Ordinance, Edition 2012.”