Kansas Republicans Override Governor's Veto on Transgender Bathroom Bill

The new law requires transgender individuals to use restrooms and changing facilities based on biological sex rather than gender identity.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Kansas legislature has voted to override Democratic Governor Laura Kelly's veto of a bill that requires transgender people to use restrooms and changing facilities based on their biological sex rather than their gender identity. The Republican-controlled Senate and House voted to enact the law, which includes penalties for violations.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader debate over transgender rights and access to public spaces. Supporters argue it protects privacy and safety, while critics say it discriminates against transgender individuals. The override highlights the political divide in Kansas over LGBTQ+ issues.

The details

The new law, known as Senate Bill 244, mandates that government buildings such as public schools and universities must separate bathrooms and locker rooms by biological sex. Individuals who violate the law could face fines of up to $1,000 or criminal charges for repeat offenses. The bill includes some exceptions, such as allowing parents to accompany young children into opposite-sex facilities.

  • On February 19, 2026, the Kansas Senate voted 31-9 to override Governor Kelly's veto.
  • On February 20, 2026, the Kansas House followed with an 87-37 vote to override the veto.

The players

Laura Kelly

The Democratic Governor of Kansas who vetoed the transgender bathroom bill.

Ty Masterson

The Republican President of the Kansas Senate who praised the override, saying it "restored sanity" and protected women and girls.

Abi Boatman

A Democratic state representative in Kansas who is transgender and criticized the measure as discriminatory.

Kellie Warren

A Republican state senator in Kansas who said the law is focused on restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities where people change and undress.

Susan Humphries

A Republican state representative in Kansas who said Governor Kelly's veto message was "full of red herrings" and failed to address the merits of the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“Kansas Democrats are for They/Them. I will continue to fight for you, and protect women and girls across our state.”

— Ty Masterson, Kansas Senate President (Topeka Capital-Journal)

“This bill obviously discriminates against transgender people in ways that make our lives exponentially more difficult and dangerous.”

— Abi Boatman, Kansas State Representative (Topeka Capital-Journal)

“Under this bill: If your grandfather is in a nursing home in a shared room, as a granddaughter, you would not be able to visit him. If your wife is in a shared hospital room, as a husband, you would not be able to visit her.”

— Laura Kelly, Governor of Kansas (Topeka Capital-Journal)

“The governor's examples are not the subject of the bill. The bill is focused on restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, shower rooms, or other rooms that are specifically designed or designated by the government for people to change and be in a state of undress.”

— Kellie Warren, Kansas State Senator (Topeka Capital-Journal)

“The governor's veto message was full of red herrings and failed to address the merits of the legislation.”

— Susan Humphries, Kansas State Representative (Topeka Capital-Journal)

What’s next

The new law is expected to face legal challenges from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the coming months.

The takeaway

This override highlights the ongoing political battle over transgender rights in conservative states like Kansas, where Republican lawmakers have sought to restrict access to public spaces for transgender individuals despite opposition from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.