MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Bill No. 462

An Act concerning civil actions; relating to actions in negligence; prohibiting certain persons from recovering damages in such actions; relating to public nuisance; prohibiting civil actions for certain nuisances; providing that only the attorney general may file claims regarding public nuisances that are not wholly contained in one political subdivision unless the attorney general delegates authorization to one or more political subdivisions of the state to file such claims; requiring special injury for certain public nuisance actions.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

Local elected officials and local government officials are best equipped, and constitutionally and/or statutorily authorized, to deal with issues of local concern. Should they need the assistance of the state Attorney General to resolve an issue, they can call upon him/her. This bill would transfer the underlying authority from the locals to the Attorney General. There is no good reason for this usurpation of power.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto Senate Bill 462.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 8, 2026.