MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Bill No. 18

An Act concerning motor vehicles; relating to distinctive license plates; providing for the hunter nation distinctive license plate.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

While the issuance of specialty state license plates for nonprofit organizations rarely produces controversy, Senate Bill 18 was amended to funnel revenue generated by the royalties from these license plates to a 501(c)(4) entity that engages in political and state legislative campaigns.

Official government-issued license plates should not be used by organizations to generate revenue that can be redirected by organizations for political purposes. Individuals are free to donate to any candidate or cause they choose, but using government-issued license plates for that purpose creates a dangerous precedent and does not serve a valid, justifiable public service. Simply put, it doesn’t pass the smell test, which is why I cannot and will not support it.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 18.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 9, 2025.