MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Bill No. 63

An Act concerning children and minors; relating to healthcare of minors; enacting the help not harm act; prohibiting healthcare providers from treating a child whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child’s sex; authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments; restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning; prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children; requiring professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatments; adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians; amending K.S.A. 65-2837 and repealing the existing section.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

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.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated February 11, 2025.