Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a pair of bills sought by Republicans on Friday. The Governor vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 172, which would have created the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act. The bill was designed to halt “foreign principals” from certain countries from holding any real property interests in Kansas. Kelly says the bill, as written was “overly broad” and “not narrowly tailored to enhance our state security.” She also says the bill would disrupt what she calls “legitimate investment and business relationships” while raising constitutional concerns through its retroactive process. Kelly also vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 232, which is designed to offer child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception. Kelly says the bill would undermine the 2022 vote where Kansans voted to protect abortion rights.
Republican leaders wasted no time in criticizing the vetoes. House Speaker Dan Hawkins says the veto on SB 172 was “shameful” and demonstrates she has chosen not to take foreign threats seriously, leaving Kansas’ critical infrastructure and military installments exposed.
