This bill establishes a new process for filling vacancies in the offices of United States senator, state treasurer, and commissioner of insurance in Kansas. It mandates that the governor appoint a temporary replacement from a list of three nominees provided by a newly formed joint committee on vacancy appointments, which consists of members from both houses of the legislature. The bill specifies that appointees must be registered with the same political party as the previous officeholder for the two general elections prior to the vacancy, and it introduces a requirement for the secretary of state to certify the appointment before the individual can take office.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the appointment process for these offices, including the repeal of certain sections of K.S.A. 25-318 and the introduction of new provisions that outline the nomination and voting procedures within the legislature. The joint committee will conduct public hearings on the nominees and submit a report identifying candidates for consideration. The legislature is required to adopt a concurrent resolution designating three candidates within 21 days of the vacancy, with provisions for extending this timeline if necessary. The bill also includes severability clauses to ensure that if any part is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 25-101b, 40-106, 25-318
As Amended by House Committee on Elections: 25-101b, 40-106, 25-318
As introduced: 25-101b, 40-106, 25-318
As Amended by House Committee: 25-101b, 40-106, 25-318