74-149. Limitation on professional license consequences because of first violation of driving under the influence. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no professional licensing body shall suspend, deny, terminate or fail to renew the professional license of a licensee solely because such licensee has:

(1) Been convicted of a first violation of K.S.A. 8-1567, and amendments thereto, or an ordinance of a city in this state, a resolution of a county in this state or any law of another state, which ordinance, resolution or law prohibits the acts prohibited by that statute; or

(2) entered into a diversion agreement in lieu of further criminal proceedings, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, on a complaint, indictment, information, citation or notice to appear alleging a first violation of K.S.A. 8-1567, and amendments thereto, or an ordinance of a city in this state, a resolution of a county in this state or any law of another state, which ordinance or law prohibits the acts prohibited by that statute.

(b) The licensing body may, after providing the licensee notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the Kansas administrative procedure act, determine how the violation described in subsection (a) will affect the licensee's professional license and may take any action authorized by law, including, but not limited to, alternative corrective measures in lieu of suspension, denial, termination or failure to renew the professional license of the licensee.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the division of vehicles of the department of revenue to restrict, revoke, suspend or deny a driver's license or commercial driver's license.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) "Licensee" means an individual who is or may be authorized to practice a profession in this state; and

(2) "professional licensing body" means an official, agency, board or other entity of the state which authorizes individuals to practice a profession in this state and issues a license, certificate, permit or other authorization to an individual so authorized.

History: L. 2011, ch. 105, § 1; July 1.