MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Bill No. 2106

An Act concerning campaign finance; relating to support for or opposition to proposed amendments to the Kansas constitution; banning contributions from foreign nationals; amending K.S.A. 25-4180 and repealing the existing section.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

I support stopping foreign influence in our elections so that Kansans can decide what’s best for Kansas. Federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state, or local elections. If the
Legislature had crafted something similar for Kansas, I would have signed it. But this bill goes too far. I cannot sign a bill that takes away the ability of Kansans and Kansas businesses to support elections if they accept money from overseas for any purpose, not just those related to elections.  

Forcing Kansans to choose between accepting financial support for any reason or surrendering their voice in the political process is wrong. This bill potentially exposes our state to litigation for its limitations on speech and association, possibly violating First Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution as well as possible equal protection violations of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution on account of disparate treatment of the people and businesses in Kansas based on whether they have international operations or support.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated March 31, 2025.