The 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 the state senate and house of representatives. The nominees must be registered with the same political party as the incumbent for at least the two preceding general elections. Additionally, the bill specifies that no appointee can take office until their appointment is certified by the secretary of state.

Key amendments include the reduction of the required registration period from ten to two preceding general elections for appointees, and the establishment of a structured process for the legislature to consider and vote on the nominees. The bill also repeals existing statutes related to vacancy appointments, ensuring that the new provisions are the sole governing rules for such situations. The provisions are designed to ensure that the appointees reflect the political affiliation of the previous officeholder while also providing a clear and organized method for filling vacancies.

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