Kansas SB44: Declaring antisemitism and antisemitic acts to be against public policy and establishing a statutory definition of such terms

What the bill says

An act concerning antisemitism; declaring antisemitism to be against public policy; defining antisemitism and antisemitic for purposes of state law.

From the enrolled text, April 10, 2025:

AN ACT concerning antisemitism; declaring antisemitism to be against public policy; defining antisemitism and antisemitic for purposes of state law. Section 1. (a) It is hereby declared that antisemitism and antisemitic acts are against the public policy of this state, including, but not limited to, the purposes of public educational institutions and law enforcement agencies in this state. The state of Kansas hereby adopts a non-legally binding definition of antisemitism and antisemitic. (b) "Antisemitism" or "antisemitic" means the same as defined by the international Holocaust rememberance alliance's working definition of antisemitism, including the contemporary examples, as in effect on May 26, 2016. "Antisemitism" or "antisemitic" includes: (A) Encouraging, supporting, praising, participating in or threatening violence or vandalism against Jewish people or property; (B) wearing masks to conceal a person's identity with the intent to harass or discriminate against Jewish students, faculty or employees on school property; and (C) incorporating or allowing funding of antisemitic curriculum or activities in any domestic or study abroad programs or classes. (c) Nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the first amendment to the constitution of the United States or the bill of rights of the constitution of the state of Kansas. SENATE BILL No. 44--page 2 Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and be …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Paul Waggoner (R) · primary sponsor
• Kevin Schwertfeger (R)
• Joe Seiwert (R)
• Kyler Sweely (R)

Latest actions

1. April 10, 2025: Approved by Governor on Tuesday, April 8, 2025
2. April 10, 2025: Enrolled and presented to Governor on Friday, April 4, 2025
3. March 26, 2025: Conference Committee Report was adopted; Yea 39, Nay 1
4. March 26, 2025: Conference Committee Report was adopted; Yea 102, Nay 21, Absent 2
5. March 26, 2025: Conference committee report now available
6. March 24, 2025: Motion to accede adopted; Rep. Susan Estes , Rep. Kyle McNorton and Rep. Jerry Stogsdill appointed as conferees
7. March 24, 2025: Nonconcurred with amendments; Conference Committee requested; appointed Sen. Renee Erickson , Sen. Adam Thomas and Sen. Dinah Sykes
8. March 20, 2025: Emergency Final Action - Passed as amended; Yea 77, Nay 41, Absent 7
9. March 20, 2025: Motion to advance to Emergency Final Action adopted
10. March 20, 2025: Committee of the Whole - Be passed as amended

Votes

• Conference Committee Report was adopted (March 26, 2025): 102 yea, 21 nay, passed
• Adopt CCR (March 26, 2025): 39 yea, 1 nay, passed
• Emergency Final Action - Passed as amended (March 20, 2025): 77 yea, 41 nay, passed
• Final Action Amended (February 19, 2025): 37 yea, 3 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB44?

SB44 is a bill in the Kansas Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Declaring antisemitism and antisemitic acts to be against public policy and establishing a statutory definition of such terms.

What does SB44 do?

In its own words: An act concerning antisemitism; declaring antisemitism to be against public policy; defining antisemitism and antisemitic for purposes of state law.

What is the status of SB44?

Signed into law as of April 10, 2025. Latest action: Approved by Governor on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 (April 10, 2025).

Who sponsored SB44?

Paul Waggoner (R), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB44?

On the Kansas Legislature website: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb44/