During week three of the Kansas legislative session, civil liberties continued to be the target of the legislature. This remains a multi-front assault. Attacks on voting access, abortion bans, and singling out immigrant communities have all been on the docket this week. A gender-affirming care ban passed and is on its way to the Governor’s desk, where we expect the bill to be vetoed. It remains to be seen whether Republicans will have enough votes for a veto-override. But there was good news as well. A bill to ban juvenile fines and fees was introduced, along with a bill that would help restore voting rights for people who have completed their sentences. The ACLU of Kansas will continue to fight for the civil rights and liberties of all Kansans’ this session.
Voting Rights remain under attack this legislative session. But there has been good news as well. A bill was introduced that would be a massive step in the right direction towards voting rights restoration. Bills that the ACLU is tracking are listed below.
Immigrant communities are being targeted this session. The ACLU will continue to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and demand equal treatment under the law for all people on U.S. soil, regardless of status. Bills and resolutions the ACLU is tracking are listed below.
Legislators continue to ignore the Kansas Constitution and the will of the voters on abortion rights. The bills below have been introduced.
SB63: This bill strips Kansas children of their right to seek gender affirming care allows for civil action against providers who provide gender affirming care to young patients. This bill passed the House on 1/30 and the Senate on 1/31, despite over 400 pieces of opposition testimony. It now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature or veto. The Governor has historically vetoed this type of legislation, and we expect her to do the same this year. Republicans may have the votes to override her veto this year, but it’s not certain. The ACLU will make all efforts to ensure an override fails and continue to fight for the rights of trans Kansans to seek gender affirming care without government interference.
HB2179: The bill would prohibit juveniles, their parents, or their guardians from being assessed fines and fees when interacting with the criminal justice system. The bill was introduced in the House.
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