Kansas Governor Vetoes Transgender Bathroom Bill

Kelly calls legislation "poorly drafted" and says it would impact more than just the transgender community.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Bill 244, which would have required multi-occupancy private spaces to be designated by sex assigned at birth and created enforcement mechanisms and penalties. Republican lawmakers had used a 'gut and go' maneuver to pass the bill after rewriting a bail-bond bill. Kelly called the legislation "poorly drafted" and said its impact would go beyond the transgender community.

Why it matters

The veto of this bill is significant as it protects the rights of the approximately 500 transgender Kansans who would have been affected. An override by the Republican supermajorities in the Kansas House and Senate could have made the law take effect within weeks instead of the typical July 1 timeline.

The details

Senate Bill 244 would have required multi-occupancy private spaces to be designated by sex assigned at birth, creating enforcement mechanisms and penalties, including misdemeanor or criminal charges for repeat offenders. Republican lawmakers used a 'gut and go' maneuver to pass the bill after rewriting a bail-bond bill, with votes of 87-36 in the House and 30-9 in the Senate.

  • On Feb. 13, 2026, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 244.
  • On Jan. 28, 2026, Republican lawmakers passed SB 244 using a 'gut and go' maneuver.

The players

Laura Kelly

The Governor of Kansas who vetoed Senate Bill 244.

Dan Hawkins

The Republican Speaker of the Kansas House who said House Republicans "stand ready to override this ridiculous veto."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.