TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Wednesday signed into law a plan from Republican lawmakers to phase out the state's sales tax on groceries over three years.

Kelly had a ceremony at a grocery store in Olathe, fulfilling a promise to sign the bill even though it is not as aggressive in eliminating the tax as she and fellow Democrats want. They had hoped to eliminate the entire 6.5% tax as of July 1.

Only 13 states charge any sales tax on groceries. Kansas' rate is second only to Mississippi's 7%.

The new Kansas law will drop the tax to 4% in January, to 2% in 2024 and to zero...