Kansas Governor Vetoes Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill, Override Vote Looms

TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a bill on February 13, 2026, that would have required individuals to utilize bathrooms in government buildings that align with their sex assigned at birth. The bill, House Substitute for Senate Bill 244, also would have invalidated some driver’s licenses and birth certificates [1].

Governor Kelly’s Concerns

Governor Kelly described the legislation as “poorly drafted” and warned of unintended consequences. She cited scenarios where family members would be prohibited from visiting each other in healthcare facilities or dormitories [1], [2]. Specifically, she noted that a granddaughter would be unable to visit her grandfather in a nursing home, a brother could not visit his sister in a college dorm and a husband could not visit his wife in a hospital [1], [2].

Legislative Response and Potential Override

Despite the veto, Republican lawmakers have the votes to override Governor Kelly’s decision and enact the bill into law [1], [3]. House Speaker Dan Hawkins criticized the veto, calling the bill “common sense” and asserting it reflects “basic clarity, truth, and dignity” [1].

Bill Provisions and Penalties

The bill mandates that government entities enforce bathroom usage based on sex assigned at birth and imposes fines for non-compliance. Violations could result in penalties of up to $25,000 for government entities and criminal charges for repeat offenders [2]. The legislation also seeks to reissue driver’s licenses and birth certificates to reflect an individual’s sex at birth [2].

Next Steps

The Legislature could attempt to override Governor Kelly’s veto as early as next week [3]. The outcome of the override vote will determine whether the bill becomes law in Kansas [4].