MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Bill No. 2412

An Act concerning education; relating to curriculum for social studies; requiring instruction to provide students with an understanding of communist, fascist and socialist regimes and ideologies; requiring that students pass an American civics examination in order to graduate with a high school diploma; amending K.S.A. 72-3217 and repealing the existing section.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

I concur with legislators who believe that citizen knowledge of and involvement in our democratic process at the local, state and federal level should be emphasized throughout our children’s educational journey. That knowledge would include an understanding that, in Kansas, the Kansas Board of Education is accorded constitutional authority to determine curricula. So, while I support the concept of Civics Education, its design and implementation should be dictated by state and local boards of education.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2412.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 23, 2026.