A Bill in the Kansas Legislature would prohibit cities and counties from banning any type of business in their communities. The Bill is in response to a proposed ordinance in Wichita that would have banned retail sales of animals like dogs and cats because of concerns over how they’re treated. Becky Hertel owns a pet store in Wichita. She says the city should not be able to stop pet stores from operating, and if so, these people had the ability to kill her business she says if she can’t do what her business plan is, her doors will close.
Opponents say the bill is too broad and would have unintended consequences, including blocking communities from banning unwanted businesses, like strip clubs. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly has opposed some bills that crack down on “home rule” or local authority. She vetoed a bill last year that would have prohibited cities from banning plastic bags.
