Kansas Senate overrides governor veto of bill limiting gender‑transition care for minors

The Kansas Senate on Tuesday overrode Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of Senate Bill 63, a measure that prohibits certain gender‑affirming medical treatments for minors and establishes civil causes of action and professional discipline tied to such care. The Senate voted 31–9 to override the governor's veto, meeting the two‑thirds threshold required to enact the bill despite the governor's objections.

Supporters said the measure protects children from irreversible interventions. "This bill is to protect these vulnerable children who have distress that they think could be related to their ***, to protect them from being given dangerous and chemical interventions," Senator Sandra Gossage (Senator from Johnson) said when carrying the bill during debate.

Opponents, including members who described themselves as health professionals or who cited medical organizations, said the legislation will harm patients and undermine established medical practice. "This bill does nothing to address the concerns of Kansans. Our constituents want us to make life more affordable for them. This bill does nothing in that regard," Senator Greg Holscher (Senator from Johnson) said during debate.

The governor had vetoed the bill earlier, calling it an overreach that would drive families, businesses and health‑care workers out of the state and interfere in private medical decisions. The Senate's override follows a House vote that also sustained enough support to pass the bill despite the veto.

With the override complete, the law now will take effect according to the timetable in the enacted bill.