Bill > SB164

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.

Education

Education (S)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb164/