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Publications icon2026 Session Laws of Kansas

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MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Substitute for House Bill No. 2372

An Act concerning law enforcement; creating the crime of unlawful approach of a first responder and providing penalties therefor; requiring traffic laws that apply to local and state law enforcement to apply to federal law enforcement; including federal law enforcement in the definitions used in the crime of interference with law enforcement; including buildings owned by the United States in the crime of interference with the conduct of public business in public buildings; including enforcement of federal laws and executive orders in the exceptions from liability in the tort claims act; relating to the enforcement of detainers issued by the United States immigration and customs enforcement by a county sheriff operating a county jail; requiring municipal insurance pools to provide coverage of law enforcement agencies enforcing federal law; requiring the state to pay certain judgments in federal civil actions and provide legal representation by the attorney general; exempting section 287(g) agreements from certain provisions of the interlocal cooperation act; amending K.S.A. 8-1404, 8-2010, 12-2904, 21-5904 and 21-5922 and K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 8-1102 and 75-6104 and repealing the existing sections.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

This legislation poses a myriad of legal concerns. First this legislation creates serious tension between ensuring law enforcement officers can carry out their duties while respecting the First Amendment rights of Kansans to observe and record their actions.

Second, there are already federal laws in place establishing the crime of interfering with federal law enforcement, meaning there is no need to create a state crime for the same unlawful activity. Additionally, this legislation would increase liability exposure, increase costs, and remove local control from county commissions in making determinations about preserving public safety and law enforcement operations.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2372.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 8, 2026.

Secretary of State Seal