Kansas Legislature overrode Gov. Kelly's veto to enact HB2311, letting foster caregivers' religious beliefs override placement policy

On April 10, 2025, the Kansas Legislature overrode Governor Laura Kelly's veto to enact House Bill 2311, a foster-care religious-exemption measure. The law bars the Kansas Department for Children and Families from adopting or enforcing any placement, custody, or licensing policy that conflicts with a prospective foster or adoptive caregiver's "sincerely held religious or moral beliefs," including beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, and it creates a private civil right of action letting caregivers sue the agency for damages and attorney fees.

The Kansas House overrode the veto 87-38 and the Senate 31-9 on the same day, clearing the two-thirds threshold in both chambers. The measure took effect on publication, with its enforcement provisions operative from July 1, 2025. Supporters framed the bill as protecting the religious liberty of foster and adoptive families; opponents, including child-welfare advocates, warned that it endangers the placement stability and affirmation of LGBTQ+ foster youth by allowing caregivers' objections to override the agency's non-discrimination standards.