Gov. Kelly vetoes ‘bathroom bill’

Legislators will now decide if they want to override veto

By Ann Marie Bush
KNEA Director of Communications

In late Friday afternoon action, Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bathroom bill - Substitute for Senate Bill SB 244.

House Substitute for SB 244 would require Kansas government buildings to designate multi-occupancy private spaces, such as restrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms, as either male or female. Individuals would have to visit the facility that matches their biological sex at birth.

The Kansas House and Senate approved the bill on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The House ultimately passed the measure 87–36, sending it to the Senate, which concurred with a vote of 30–9.

The bill passed both chambers with the two‑thirds majority needed to override a veto. 

The bill was then enrolled and presented to Gov. Kelly on Feb. 3. 

It is now up to Kansas legislators to decide if they want to attempt to override the bill or not. This could happen as early as next week.

Read more on the bathroom bill here.

Stay updated at www.ksutd.org.

Ann Marie Bush can be reached by email at ann.bush@knea.org.