Urge You to Sustain Governor Kelly’s Veto of SB 244

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to sustain Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of SB 244. SB 244 is a dangerous and intrusive bill that violates Kansans’ privacy, puts people at risk, and distracts from the real issues our state legislature was elected to address. Kansans expect our leaders to make life more affordable and communities stronger—not to police where people use the restroom or invite government surveillance into our private lives. This bill creates what many have rightly called a “bathroom bounty” system, allowing anyone to accuse another person of using the “wrong” restroom and triggering a government investigation. That opens the door to massive violations of privacy, including scrutiny of someone’s medical history, anatomy, or identity—all at taxpayer expense. That is an unacceptable misuse of government power. SB 244 also criminalizes restroom use based on sex assigned at birth, with no exceptions for: Children over the age of 8 who need to accompany a parent or guardian Disabled Kansans who require assistance Transgender and intersex people who do not fit rigid and inaccurate legal definitions Bathroom bans do not make public spaces safer. They make everyday life harder and more dangerous for families, disabled people, and anyone who doesn’t conform to narrow expectations of gender. In addition, SB 244 repeals the ability for people to have accurate gender markers on state IDs, creating inefficient and inaccurate identification standards. Showing an ID should not be a dangerous act. Kansans need legal documents to work, attend school, open a bank account, access services, or even get a library card. This bill would increase the risk of harassment, discrimination, and violence—especially for transgender Kansans—during ordinary, unavoidable interactions. There are no statewide protections against discrimination for transgender Kansans, and SB 244 would only increase that risk. Despite claims that it protects women, this bill would actually endanger lives by restricting access to restrooms, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, and other essential spaces and services. This legislation is rooted in misinformation and harmful stereotypes, including the false and extremist claim that transgender people are predators. In reality, transgender people are over four times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. Policies like SB 244 fuel fear and embolden harassment and violence. Governor Kelly was right to veto this bill. I urge you to respect Kansans’ privacy, protect vulnerable communities, and vote to sustain the veto of SB 244. Thank you for your time and for listening to the concerns of your constituents.