Kansas Senate overrides multiple gubernatorial vetoes, advancing bills on housing, voter rolls, schools and juvenile justice

The Kansas State Senate on April 9, 2026, voted to override a slate of vetoes issued by Governor Laura Kelly and advanced legislation touching housing, elections, education and juvenile justice.

Senator Jon Johnson, the floor sponsor for SB 3‑75 (the Proxy Advisor Transparency Act), described the bill as “transparency and accountability to Kansas investors,” saying it would require proxy advisers to explain why they recommend votes against company management so shareholders could “make an informed decision.” The governor’s veto message — read to the chamber — criticized the process that led the bill to the governor as “political games.” After questions and brief debate the Senate voted to pass SB 3‑75 notwithstanding the veto; the clerk reported 31 senators in favor and 8 opposed, meeting the two‑thirds threshold to override.

A series of other veto overrides followed. The Senate voted to override the governor on SB 30, a measure that would require certain new or materially changed occupational licenses to be reviewed by the Legislature; the roll call recorded 30 in favor and 9 opposed. Senators arguing for the override said the measure restores legislative oversight of licensing decisions they view as having broad economic impact; opponents warned that it could micromanage agencies that administer technical professional standards.

Lawmakers also voted to override on SB 3‑61, a bill to permit participation in a federal tax credit program for donations to scholarship‑granting organizations (SGOs). Senator Jennifer Erickson, a carrier for related measures, said public schools could participate through SGOs and outlined eligible uses such as tutoring and special‑needs services. Senator Sykes and others opposed the override on audit and distribution concerns; the final tally recorded 29 in favor and 10 opposed.

Housing policy drew pointed debate after the governor vetoed SB 3‑91, which would prohibit cities and counties from adopting ordinances that require private landlords to accept federal housing vouchers or that limit security deposits or tenant‑screening methods. Senator Thompson, arguing for the bill, said it protects private property rights and maintains that federal voucher participation is voluntary. Opponents, including Senator Hoelscher, said the measure would hinder local efforts to expand affordable housing. The Senate overrode the veto (31 yes, 8 no).

The chamber also considered several House bills containing veto messages. On measures concerning clinic notice and informed‑consent forms (HB 27‑27 and HB 27‑29), sponsors said the bills create uniform KDHE‑issued forms and notices; some senators raised concerns about agency review and the scientific accuracy of content. The Senate proceeded with motions to pass notwithstanding the vetoes and recorded roll calls consistent with overrides reported on the floor.

One of the more contested items was House Bill 23‑29, which would alter juvenile justice options and dedicate $4.5 million from an evidence‑based program account for residential placements and related services. Proponents, including Senator Warren, framed it as providing tools for courts and funding to intervene earlier for youth at risk; opponents and juvenile‑justice reform supporters said it reversed elements of prior reform legislation and risked expanding out‑of‑home placements. The Senate overrode the veto by recorded roll call (29 in favor, 10 opposed).

Several senators spoke for and against these measures on the floor. Senator Johnson told colleagues the proxy adviser bill was aimed at giving retirees and shareholders clarity, while Senator Francisco and others pressed sponsors on implementation details and local impacts. The clerk read governor veto messages for each bill as part of the formal record; several of the governor’s veto statements urged more vetting and defended local authority or cited concerns about impacts on renters and public programs.

The session also included routine business — recognitions of teachers and school staff, appointment of conferees to conference committees, announcements of caucuses and committee meetings — before the Senate adjourned until April 10, 2026.

Votes at a glance (selected overrides recorded on the floor): • SB 3‑75 (Proxy Advisor Transparency Act): override passed, 31–8. • SB 30 (legislative review of certain occupational licensing changes): override passed, 30–9. • SB 3‑61 (scholarship‑granting organization / tax credit participation): override passed, 29–10. • SB 3‑91 (preemption re: landlord acceptance of vouchers, security deposits): override passed, 31–8. • HB 27‑27 / HB 27‑29 (informed‑consent forms and clinic notices): motions to pass notwithstanding veto recorded and passed on roll calls (tallies recorded on the floor). • HB 23‑29 (juvenile justice funding and placements): override passed, 29–10.

What happens next: Most measures passed notwithstanding the governor’s vetoes and will be enrolled as acts of the Legislature. Several items will proceed to implementation steps that involve state agencies and local governments; conferees were appointed on multiple bills, and committees will meet to reconcile enacted language where needed.

Sources and provenance: This report is based on the Senate floor transcript of April 9, 2026 (messages from the governor and roll‑call votes read and recorded on the Senate floor).