Sykes Denounces Senate’s Override of the Governor’s Veto on Poorly Crafted, Dangerous Legislation

Topeka, Kans. — This afternoon, the Kansas Senate overrode Governor Kelly’s veto of House Substitute for SB 244 on party lines. This bill was rushed through the legislative process and is dangerously broad, likely to open Kansas up to litigation, cause undue financial burden on our local governments, and unfairly target some of our most marginalized Kansans.

The following is attributed to Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes:

“We hear time and time again from the business community that they want certainty and a stable state to bring their business. Culture war issues, like this bill, make us a less attractive place for businesses to relocate or start anew. We have seen other states, most notably North Carolina, lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue after passing legislation like House Substitute for SB 244.

“It is reckless to put local and state revenue on the line for a culture war issue that was introduced because certain members of the Legislature seem unable to allow our newest House representative to do her job free of harassment. I don’t know if this attack on our new colleague is because my colleagues simply don’t understand or because they are intentionally trying to force her out because they don’t want her here, but it is unfair to her and unfair to the delegates who put her here. 

“House Sub for SB 244 is a poorly written bill that would have far-reaching effects, many that I believe the proponents of this bill did not intend when they rushed this bill through the process without the proper vetting or debate.

“The vague language in this bill will restrict parents from taking their children into the restroom with them, removing a family’s ability to make the choice that best meets their needs. As a mother, I believe that parents know the needs of their children better than this Legislature, and far-reaching legislation like this takes away parental rights in favor of one-size-fits-all provisions for an issue that is far from one-size-fits-all.

“With the World Cup quickly approaching and an expected influx of hundreds of thousands of people to our state, we should not be telling parents and caregivers what they can or cannot do to keep their children safe.”