The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2311: 

“The top priority of the Kansas Department for Children and Families should be adhering to the “best interest of the child” standard. Legislation like this detracts from this standard and stands in the way of best serving those in the child welfare system.

“Children in need of care already face unique and complex challenges. I will not sign legislation that could further complicate their lives. 

“I also have concerns that this bill could expose the state to frivolous lawsuits and hinder the agency by taking time and resources away from critical services. 

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2311.”