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Bill > SB164


KS SB164

Prohibiting discriminatory practices on the basis of religion at public educational institutions and authorizing the attorney general to investigate violations and assess civil penalties under the Kansas act against discrimination.


summary

Introduced
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT concerning discrimination; relating to the attorney general; prohibiting discriminatory practices at public educational institutions; authorizing the attorney general to investigate and assess penalties; authorizing the human rights commission to refer complaints to the attorney general for investigation and initiation of legal proceedings; amending K.S.A. 44-1001, 44-1004, 44-1005 and 44-1009 and repealing the existing sections.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new protections against religious discrimination in public educational institutions in Kansas, giving the attorney general expanded powers to investigate and penalize such discrimination. Specifically, the bill declares that public educational institutions receiving tax dollars are prohibited from engaging in practices that discriminate on the basis of religion or promote antisemitism. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition, which includes acts like encouraging violence against Jewish people, wearing masks to harass Jewish students, or allowing antisemitic curriculum. If a person believes a public educational institution has violated these provisions, they can file a complaint with the attorney general, who is empowered to investigate by subpoenaing witnesses, examining records, and taking testimony under oath. If the attorney general finds evidence of a violation, they can assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation. The bill also amends existing state anti-discrimination laws to include these new protections and gives the state's human rights commission the ability to refer complaints to the attorney general for investigation. The legislation explicitly states that it does not prohibit coursework dedicated to studying world religions and aims to protect students and employees from religious discrimination in educational settings.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Education (S)

Last Action

Senate Referred to Committee on Education (on 02/04/2025)

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