Topeka ? A disagreement between the House and Senate over one provision threatens passage of a bill allowing the state to increase the speed limit to 75 mph on some of its highways.

The bill would authorize the 75 mph limit on on four-lane divided highways where motorists currently may drive 70 mph.

Officials of the Kansas Department of Transportation have said they would probably post a 75 mph limit only on rural sections of interstate highways. Roads lacking medians or barriers would not qualify.

The House approved the bill Tuesday, 64-61. The Senate approved its version last month, but the two chambers are at odds over language on the effects of speeding tickets.

Supporters of the bill say some drivers now detour around Kansas so they can drive 75 mph in some other state — for example, on Interstate 80 across Nebraska. But the vote was close in the House because some members worried that a higher speed limit would lead to more traffic deaths.

Speeding violations — which affect auto insurance rates — currently are noted on a driver’s record only if he or she were going at least 10 mph above a posted limit of 55 mph or more.

The House bill would keep the 10 mph buffer intact, but the Senate’s version narrows the buffer to just 5 mph in 75 mph zones.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Les Donovan, R-Wichita, opposes the 10 mph buffer and said he will force negotiations on the bill rather than accept the House language.

Donovan said that with a 10 mph buffer, motorists will feel they can avoid a blemish on their records even if they’re caught driving 84 mph.

“That’s probably too much,” he said.

If senators voted to accept the 10 mph buffer, the measure would go to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. If the Senate forces negotiations, both chambers would have to vote on a final, compromise bill.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Gary Hayzlett said he worries that a few House members will reconsider their “yes” votes if the measure comes up for another vote in that chamber.

“It probably wouldn’t survive,” said Hayzlett, R-Lakin.

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Speed limit is SB 384.