February 18, 2025

2 entries on this date.

Trump signed EO 14215, asserting presidential control over independent regulatory agencies and requiring OMB approval of their regulations

On February 18, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14215, "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies," asserting presidential authority over independent regulatory agencies including the FEC, FTC, FCC, SEC, CFPB, and NLRB. The order required these agencies to submit significant rules to OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review before publication, and declared that the President's and Attorney General's legal interpretations are binding on all executive branch employees. Congress deliberately shielded these agencies from direct presidential control when it established them.

Kansas Legislature overrode Gov. Kelly's veto to enact SB63, banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors

On February 18, 2025, the Kansas Legislature overrode Governor Laura Kelly's veto to enact SB63, the "Help Not Harm Act," barring healthcare providers from prescribing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgery for gender transition to minors. The law restricts state funds and Medicaid from being used for gender transition, bars state employees from promoting a minor's social transition, and exposes providers to professional discipline and civil suits. It took effect July 1, 2025, and required minors already receiving care to be weaned off by December 31, 2025.