MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Substitute for Senate Bill No. 29

An Act concerning public health; removing the authorization for a county or joint board of health or local health officer to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of infectious or contagious diseases; amending K.S.A. 65-119 and 65-129b and K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 65-101 and repealing the existing sections.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

Taking away the authority of public health officials to prohibit public gatherings and issue quarantines when necessary for the control of infectious or contagious disease directly contradicts effective, evidence-based health intervention advice and would put the health and safety of Kansans at unnecessary risk.

While this legislation is likely motivated by the politics coming out of the recent pandemic, it would cause actual harm in efforts to mitigate current outbreaks related to measles, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

I will not sign legislation that hampers public health professionals’ ability to take reasonable, measured steps to limit the spread of dangerous infections and protect the health of the communities they are entrusted to serve.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Substitute for Senate Bill 29.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 3, 2025.