Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a pair of bills sought by Republicans on Friday.
The governor vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 172, which would have created the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act. The bill was designed to halt “foreign principals” from certain countries from holding any real property interests in Kansas. Kelly says the bill as written was “overly broad” and “not narrowly tailored to enhance our state security.” She also says the bill would disrupt what she calls “legitimate investment and business relationships” while raising constitutional concerns through its retroactive process.
Kelly also vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 232, which is designed offer child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception. Kelly says the bill would undermine the 2022 vote where Kansans voted to protect abortion rights.
Republican leaders wasted no time in criticizing the vetoes. House Speaker Dan Hawkins says the veto on SB 172 was “shameful” and demonstrates “our governor has chosen not to take those threats seriously, leaving Kansas’ critical infrastructure and military installments exposed.” On the SB 232 veto, Senate President Ty Masterson said, “the governor’s disappointing decision to veto this bill not only aligns herself yet again with the most radical elements of her party but with deadbeat dads who currently benefit from a loophole in our laws.”
