News & Commentary

“We are deeply concerned about the potential harm SB 180 will cause,” said DC Hiegert, LGBTQ+ Fellow of the ACLU of Kansas.

The ACLU of Kansas has sued Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Herman Jones on behalf of motorists over the “two step” and are seeking a court order blocking the agency from using it.

A trial is underway that could put a stop to a law enforcement tactic known as the "Kansas Two-Step," which appears to target people from states where cannabis is legal.

“They put this amendment on the primary ballot and that was absolutely a direct attempt to suppress voters,” Butsch said. “We ran into a lot of misinformation, particularly for independents.”

The ACLU has argued KHP continues to rely on out-of-state license plates or travel plans to justify detaining a driver for a K-9 search of their vehicle, despite the Tenth Circuit’s holding in 2016 in Vasquez v. Lewis.

Aileen Berquist, a lobbyist for the ACLU of Kansas said the policy — which grants wide discretion to judges — is likely to hold a disproportionate impact on children of color, who are already more likely to face harsh punishments than their white counterparts.

Aileen Berquist, a lobbyist for the ACLU of Kansas said the policy — which grants wide discretion to judges — is likely to hold a disproportionate impact on children of color, who are already more likely to face harsh punishments than their white counterparts.

“Kansas voters know what their needs are, and we’re at a new moment for this work in the state, with several critical organizations uniting to ensure Kansans can hold their elected officials accountable to honor the fundamental right to vote,” said Leslie Butsch, field director at the ACLU of Kansas.

“I was fearful. I didn’t know what to expect,” said Maloney, who testified she still suffered anxiety from the experience with Kansas Highway Patrol. “I was scared and nervous. I was mad. I was very upset. I felt it was a waste of our time. I don’t feel save driving through Kansas anymore.”