21 March 2006
Sebelius keeps promise to protect Kansans
Governor vetoes concealed carry and workers comp bills
Today, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed two bills into law, including one that makes it a crime to steal water. Governor Sebelius has now signed 24 bills and vetoed two during the 2006 Legislative Session.
Clarification of theft of services
HB 2606 would add the term “water” to the list of items subject to theft of services to the law concerning crimes and criminal procedure. Currently, the law protects only electricity, natural gas, and telephone or cable service under theft of resource. The bill also clarifies that rural water districts and rural electric cooperatives shall be considered public utilities. It will take effect after publication in the statute book.
Notification required when oil and gas spills occur
HB 2757 requires the Kansas Corporation Commission to adopt rules and regulations requiring operators of oil and gas wells to notify landowners of a spill which is also required to be reported to the Commission. It will take effect after publication in the statute book.
Concealed Carry, SB 418, Veto Message
I support the Second Amendment and the right of our citizens to keep and bear arms. It’s an important part of our heritage and way of life in Kansas, and I've upheld that right as Governor. All law-abiding Kansans have the right to own a weapon to provide for their protection and the protection of their families.
Last year, I signed a bill to allow retired law enforcement officers, who have unique experience and special training, to carry concealed weapons. The new law also makes sure Kansas hunters and law-abiding gun owners don't violate the law by mistake when traveling. These changes, strongly supported by the National Rifle Association, were common-sense improvements to Kansas gun laws.
As violent crime rates in Kansas continue to drop below surrounding states with concealed carry laws, I continue to hear from the police chiefs and other law enforcement officials, members of the clergy, health care workers, and employers throughout our state that concealed weapons on the streets make our citizens less safe and secure.
While every law-abiding Kansan has a right to keep and bear arms, hidden weapons make it harder for law enforcement to do its job, and they make Kansas’ workplaces less safe. Legislators know concealed weapons are a safety threat, which is why they -ban them in their own workplace – the Capitol. Because of opposition from law enforcement and business leaders, I cannot support allowing hidden weapons into businesses, restaurants, malls and any number of other public places.
Therefore, in order to keep hidden weapons off Kansas streets, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I veto Senate Bill 418.
Workers’ Comp, SB 461, Veto Message
Kansas is an attractive place to do business and part of the reason for that is our low workers’ compensation costs. Kansas’ workers compensation rates are currently the eighth lowest in the nation, and employers have saved nearly $113 million since the 1993 reforms were passed. At a time when most other insurance costs are rising, workers’ compensation insurance premiums in our state will decline by 2 percent this year, saving our businesses an estimated $3.5 million.
Benefits paid to workers injured on the job are the seventh lowest in the nation, and last year I signed a bill that makes it so Kansas businesses don’t have to pay benefits to employees for drug or alcohol-related accidents. Additionally, pre-existing medical conditions are already factored into benefits, calling into question the need for this legislation.
Legislators would have been well-advised to listen to the veterans, fire fighters, nurses and seniors who all expressed their strong opposition to this bill.
Veterans have told me they’re appalled that the physical hardships they endured during their military service would be used against them and I share their concerns. As Charles Yunker, Adjutant of the American Legion, Department of Kansas, testified, “Even those soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines not wounded or otherwise injured will be impacted simply because of the demands placed upon them during active duty.” Following World War II, Kansas changed its laws to make sure returning veterans could easily re-enter the workforce. During a time when we have thousands of Kansans serving overseas, the idea of penalizing them for their military service is outrageous.
The Legislature’s proposal would also allow a worker to be terminated simply because of an injury on the job. That’s a slap in the face to the men and women who work hard every day to do their jobs in a safe and efficient manner, and it’s simply wrong.
Therefore, in order to protect our workers and our veterans, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I veto Senate Bill 461.
