MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 271

An Act concerning infrastructure; relating to drone technology; prohibiting the acquisition of critical components of drone technology from countries of concern; relating to state contracts; prohibiting state-level agencies from procuring final or finished goods or services from a foreign principal.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

Senate Bill 271 restricts the purchase of drone technology and “critical components” – including replacement parts – from countries of concern by government agencies and law enforcement entities. While the legislation is well-intentioned, it uses overly broad definitions, which will end up placing significant burdens on these government consumers, including law enforcement organizations that depend on drone technology to provide essential services and keep Kansans safe. The legislation requires these consumers to know what goes into each targeted item, down to the individual component, microchip, and processor.

There are, however, ways to achieve the goals of this legislation without placing undue burdens on agencies, local units of government, and law enforcement through avenues like the regular procurement process. This work is underway and will address the underlying concerns of this bill.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Substitute for Senate Bill 271.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 24, 2024.