MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Bill No. 2033

An Act concerning education; relating to at-risk educational programs; including programs and services provided by nonprofit organizations accredited by the international multisensory structured language education council as approved at-risk educational programs; amending K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 72-5153 and repealing the existing section.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

While I believe that we must do everything possible to support at-risk students, this legislation is unnecessary because its goal has already been achieved by the State Board of Education. In February, the Kansas State Board of Education added programs provided by the proponents of this bill to the list of approved at-risk evidence-based programs.

Additionally, in K.S.A 72-5153, the Legislature has explicitly provided the authority to identify and approve these programs to the State Board of Education. Thus, it is the job of the Board to vet and approve at-risk programs and service providers. If program providers want to serve at-risk students, they should work in partnership with the Board.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2033.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 3, 2025.