Laura Kelly approved a series of measures addressing veterans’ services, public construction rules and utility regulation following broad support in the Kansas Legislature.
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Among the newly signed laws is a measure designed to assist homeless veterans by removing financial barriers to obtaining official state identification. The legislation also formally designates Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day in Kansas to honor wounded U.S. service members.
The governor signed the measures in Topeka, where lawmakers had previously approved the legislation with strong bipartisan backing during the current legislative session.
One of the key measures signed by the governor allows homeless veterans to obtain a state-issued non-driver identification card at no cost. The legislation ensures that veterans who can verify their military service through the Kansas Office of Veterans Service will not be required to pay the standard identification fee.
The bill, known as House Bill 2274, was originally developed during the 2025 legislative session but was finalized and passed unanimously by both chambers in 2026.
Supporters of the law say eliminating the fee could help homeless veterans overcome a major barrier when seeking employment, healthcare, housing assistance or other services that require identification.
“This commonsense legislation is one way we can show our respect and appreciation for those who have served, while also making life a bit easier for veterans who are finding their footing upon return to civilian life,” Kelly said.
The identification provision was introduced by state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau of Wichita.
In addition to the identification change, the bill also establishes Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day in Kansas, recognizing members of the U.S. armed forces who were wounded or killed in combat.
The date commemorates the creation of the original Badge of Military Merit by George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782, while he served as commander of the Continental Army.
Republican state Rep. Nate Butler, a retired U.S. Army major from Junction City, said the recognition highlights Kansas’ longstanding ties to military service.
“Kansas has always taken pride in the men and women who were either drafted or volunteered to defend our nation,” Butler said.
Kelly also approved legislation affecting construction contracts for public projects in Kansas.
The measure requires public construction agreements to include a mutual waiver preventing parties from pursuing claims for “consequential” damages, though contractors and government agencies can still seek compensation for direct damages.
Lawmakers supporting the measure argued that the waiver would provide greater clarity in public construction contracts and help avoid unpredictable litigation costs.
“These damages are difficult to predict and impossible to quantify,” said Rep. Mike King, R-Hesston, who previously served as secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation under former Gov. Sam Brownback.
Under the bill, contractors and public entities must agree in advance not to pursue indirect damage claims related to losses such as future revenue, reputation, staffing disruptions or goodwill.
However, the measure faced criticism from some lawmakers who argued the change could reduce accountability for contractors working on taxpayer-funded projects.
“It removes an important legal tool that’s used to basically recover indirect costs incurred as a result of this contractor breach that costs taxpayers’ money. My duty lies with protecting the taxpayer,” said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.
The legislation passed the Kansas Senate with a 37-2 vote and the House with an 84-34 vote.
Supporters included several industry groups such as the Associated General Contractors of Kansas and Crossland Construction, as well as the Kansas Department of Commerce. However, the measure faced opposition from the League of Kansas Municipalities and several cities including Olathe, Overland Park and Wichita.
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In addition to the veterans and construction legislation, Kelly also signed other measures addressing healthcare practice rules and utility oversight.
One of the bills clarifies the scope of practice for optometrists in Kansas under House Bill 2223. The measure passed with strong legislative support, receiving a 98-23 vote in the House and a 34-6 vote in the Senate.
Another bill exempts not-for-profit subsidiaries fully owned by public electric cooperatives from oversight by the Kansas Corporation Commission.
That measure was approved unanimously by lawmakers, reflecting broad agreement across both parties on the need to adjust certain regulatory requirements affecting electric cooperative utilities.
Together, the newly signed laws represent a range of policy changes affecting veterans services, infrastructure contracts, healthcare practice rules and the state’s utility sector.
Originally reported by Tim Carpenter in Kansas Reflector.
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