Kansas Republican lawmakers overrode Governor Laura Kelly's veto to enact the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge Act, a measure named for Charlie Kirk that allows college students to sue their schools for free-speech violations. The law designates outdoor areas on college campuses as forums for free expression.

The bill limits security fees charged to student organizations for events and bans designated free speech zones that restrict where such activities can occur. Any individual who believes their free speech rights were infringed, including the attorney general, can sue an institution for damages of at least $500 per violation and $50 for each day the violation continues.

The bill's preamble cites a 2024 incident at Kansas State University in which Kirk's microphone was shut off at the end of his allotted time, leading him to wade into the crowd to continue taking questions. Kirk founded Turning Point USA.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said, "Charlie Kirk was assassinated for exercising his right to free speech and introducing young people to conservative values. His mission and legacy will live on and protect the free speech rights of all college students in Kansas for decades to come."

Kelly, in vetoing the legislation, objected to its legal framework. "It would cause confusion for courts and schools," she said.

Democratic state Representative Jerry Stogsdill opposed naming the law for Kirk. "Legislators should not honor an activist whose statements promoted hate, bigotry, misogyny and racism," he said.

The Kansas measure is similar to the Campus Free Expression Act promoted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. About half of U.S. states already have campus free speech laws, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.