TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A $2 increase in Kansas vehicle registration fees would help pay for 75 more state troopers under a proposal in a state House committee. The Kansas City Star reports that the Kansas Highway Patrol's superintendent, Colonel Mark Bruce, told members of the House Transportation Committee on Thursday that the funding is needed to address low staffing. Bruce says the patrol's 400 troopers are about 100 short of what's considered full staffing. He says the staffing shortage means dozens of counties have no or only one trooper assigned to them, and that the fallout includes a drop in drunken driving and speeding arrests and longer response times. Bruce warns the patrol needs to be ready to respond to public safety emergencies such as active shooters and violent demonstrations.
Kansas Tax Boost Mulled to Help Pay for More State Troopers
