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Publications icon2026 Session Laws of Kansas

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MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Substitute for House Bill No. 2018

An Act concerning crimes, punishment and criminal procedure; creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a religious assembly and providing criminal penalties therefor; providing for a civil cause of action for damages arising from such offense; amending K.S.A. 21-6205 and K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 75-702 and repealing the existing sections.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

This bill is born out of a tension between two fundamental rights: the right to freely practice religion and the right to freedom of expression. This type of tension is not uncommon in a democracy that has enumerated as many constitutional rights as we enjoy and seek to protect today.

However, I am concerned that this legislation addresses this tension in a manner that one of these rights over the other, and will result in costly litigation.

For these reasons, I am letting Substitute for House Bill 2018 become law without my signature.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 13, 2026.

Secretary of State Seal