Gov. Laura Kelly vetoes ‘Help Not Harm Act’

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 63 (SB 63) on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The Kansas House vote was sent to Gov. Kelly on Friday, Jan. 31. The bill would ban gender-affirming care for children under the age of 18. The Senate approved the bill with 28 votes, enough for a veto-proof majority. The House vote was 83 to 35, one short for an override, but multiple legislators missing from that vote would be expected to vote in favor.

Gov. Kelly sent the following message regarding the veto of SB 63:

“Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.

“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.

“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 63.”