In a bold move that could lead to a legal showdown, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas is facing off against the Republican-controlled Legislature over a controversial new measure. The measure states that Kansas will assist Texas in its border security dispute with the Biden administration.
The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto of budget provisions related to immigration, including a provision that tasks the Kansas National Guard with helping Texas officials at the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, they set aside $15.7 million to cover the costs of sending personnel and equipment to support Texas.
Governor Kelly has pushed back against the measure, asserting that as the commander of the National Guard, she has the authority to decide how the Guard is deployed, not the Legislature. This has sparked a potential legal battle, with Senator J.R. Claeys indicating that a lawsuit could be on the horizon if Kelly refuses to comply with the directive.
The Legislature also passed a law increasing penalties for killing police dogs and horses, a measure inspired by the death of a Wichita police dog in 2023. Despite Kelly’s veto, the Legislature overrode it, leading to increased penalties for such crimes.
Furthermore, the Legislature attempted to pass several election-related bills aimed at tightening state election laws, but Kelly vetoed some of them, citing flaws and the need for further study. The back-and-forth between the Governor and the Legislature highlights the ongoing political tensions in Kansas over key policy issues.