MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Bill No. 2238

An Act concerning education; relating to student athletes; creating the fairness in women’s sports act; restricting participation on women’s teams to female students; providing a cause of action for violations of the act.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

As I’ve said before, we all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete.

That’s why I support the Kansas State High School Activities Association, which was set up to ensure nobody has an unfair advantage on the playing field. The Legislature should let the Association do its job.

Let’s be clear about what this bill is all about – politics. It won’t increase any test scores. It won’t help any kids read or write. It won’t help any teachers prepare our kids for the real world. Here’s what this bill would actually do: harm the mental health of our students. That’s exactly why Republican governors have joined me in vetoing similar bills.

This bill would also reverse the progress we’ve made in recruiting businesses and creating jobs. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than becoming a place where young people want to work and raise a family.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2238.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated March 17, 2023.