Governor Kelly Signs Bill to Boost Skilled Workforce Across the State

Governor Kelly signed House Bill 2292, which creates a tax credit for certain employers who create apprenticeship programs to strengthen and expand the Kansas workforce. House Bill 2292 also creates new grant programs that will support apprentices pursuing careers in education and health care.

“To keep our economy strong, we must invest in our next generation of workers,” said Governor Kelly. “I was proud to spearhead the development of additional apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities through the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. This bill takes that effort one step further by rewarding employers across the state for doing the right thing and supporting those entering the workforce.”

“We are proud to partner with businesses across the state that are giving opportunities to the next generation of Kansas workers to address the workforce shortage and strengthen our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Thanks to Governor Kelly’s leadership, there are more opportunities in our state now than ever before. We must make sure we have the pipeline of workers ready to pursue those opportunities, and this bill does just that.”

In addition to House Bill 2292, Governor Kelly also signed the following bills:

House Bill 2130: Makes technical changes to the Kansas probate code, including time and mailing requirements, and makes changes regarding the transfer of deeds upon death. This bill also increases the amount dependents or a spouse can receive under certain circumstances.

Senate Bill 205: Clarifies the law with regard to eligible participation in water banks and multi-year flex accounts.

Senate Bill 217: Increases protections for victims of stalking, including increasing the time of an initial restraining order.

Senate Bill 221: Establishes further regulations to be a write-in candidate on a ballot in elections for Congress, the State House of Representatives, the State Senate, the State Board of Education, and for certain local elections. This bill also redefines certain election crimes and makes changes to election administration.

Governor Kelly also vetoed House Bill 2094, House Bill 2236, House Bill 2325, and House Bill 2350.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2094:

“Leaders from both parties should be looking for ways to help people afford the basics, not burdening our hardworking Kansans who are just trying to get by.

“With inflation causing the prices of goods and services to skyrocket, Kansans need relief, not further barriers.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2094.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2236:

“Parents and teachers across Kansas want the same thing – for our kids to get the best education possible.

“This bill distracts from that goal, inserting partisan politics into the classroom at the expense of our students, parents, and teachers.

“The best thing we can do for our students is work together to continue fully funding public education and ensure they have the resources and support to succeed. We can’t do that if we are forced to spend millions of dollars on expensive lawsuits.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2236.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2325:

“In August, Kansans voted against politicians in Topeka placing extreme restrictions on a woman’s freedom to make her own personal health care decisions.

“This bill goes against the will of the voters by depriving women of access to their constitutional right. It is also misleading. The truth is, no taxpayer dollars go to the Health Care Stabilization Fund.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2325.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill  2350:

“House Bill 2350 is the product of a rushed process. I agree immigration issues need to be addressed, but this bill will have unintended consequences, from decimating our agriculture workforce to allowing the state to encroach into Kansans’ personal lives.

“You just have to look at basic examples: If a good Samaritan gives his or her fellow Kansan a ride to work and receives gas money in exchange – or if a paramedic, while on duty, transports someone to the emergency room – they could be subject to level-five felonies. That over-criminalization is unnecessary and shows that lawmakers haven’t considered the full impact of this bill.

“Kansans deserve considered, comprehensive legislation when it comes to immigration – not bills with sweeping language that would hurt law-abiding Kansas citizens and open the state up to expensive lawsuits.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2350.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding letting House Bill 2100 become law without her signature:

“Because I have reservations about the potential unforeseen consequences of House Bill 2100 for the state and for local governments, I will allow the bill to become law without my signature.”