Gov. Laura Kelly approves seven new laws in Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is giving her official approval to seven bills Monday set to become new state laws.

Among the bills destined to become law in Kansas following the governor’s decisions Monday, one will create a new state agency to protect the wellbeing of children. Other legislation being approved establishes new state license plates and establishes new state funds for the state’s universities and colleges. The full breakdown can be found below:

Senate Bill 115

This bill established the Office of the Child Advocate as an independent state agency, according to the Kansas Legislature. This will help to protect Kansas children in the child welfare system.

“This bill is a significant step forward in ensuring the welfare of children in our state,” Kelly said. “Establishing the Office of Child Advocate as an independent, permanent agency promotes accountability and transparency, undoubtedly protecting more Kansas children. I am proud to support this landmark legislation and appreciate legislators’ willingness to work together to finally put the office into law.”

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Senate Bill 359

Creates new license plates for the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Current, Topeka Zoo, Support the Troops and the First City of Kansas. Also requires certain license plates to have the county of registration for the motor vehicle identified on the license plates. The new license plates will be available on and after Jan. 1, 2025.

Senate Bill 18

Enacts the Kansas Campus Restoration Act to address deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at colleges and universities. It also establishes the Kansas Campus Restoration Fund in the state treasury and authorizes cash transfers to it from the state general fund.

Senate Bill 356

This bill updates terms, definitions and conditions related to the requirements of certain insurance reports, examinations and transactions, according to language in the bill.

Senate Bill 384

Established the Riley County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and the Crawford County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act. Also establishes procedures for the removal and abatement of nuisances in the unincorporated areas of such counties and the assessment of the costs for the abatements.

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Senate Bill 455

This bill prohibits public utilities from exercising eminent domain for the siting or placement of solar generation facilities, according to the Kansas Legislature.

House Bill 2787

Updates definitions, terms, conditions and provisions related to the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association Act and the Kansas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act.

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