A bill on antisemitism was published in the Kansas Register on May 1 making this new statute effective immediately.
SB44 (2025 SL Ch. 83) New Statute. Bill Summary. Effective 5/1/2025

The new law specifically mentions law enforcement agencies. The new law does not appear to create any new civil cause of action or create any crime. It is presented as being a policy statement declaring acts of antisemitism are against the policy of the state ". . .including, but not limited to, the purposes of public educational institutions and law enforcement agencies of this state."

The statute adopts a "non-legally binding" definition of "antisemitism" or "antisemitic acts" as: "the same as defined by the international Holocaust remembrance alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, including the contemporary examples, as in effect on May 26, 2016," and further declares “antisemitism” or “antisemitic acts” include:
(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.

More information on those "working definitions" are available at: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism.

The statute further states that "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."
 
The text of the new law is now posted on the statute page of my website at:
http://www.kansasleo.com/KSAs/antisemitism_2025.htm
 
The statute page on my website is updated with the amended statutes at the time they are effective. The index page is at:
https://kansasleo.com/statutes.htm.

Ed Klumpp
Legislative Liaison
eklumpp@cox.net
(785) 640-1102