This bill proposes significant changes to the governance of the State Corporation Commission in Kansas by transitioning from gubernatorial appointments to a system of statewide elections for its commissioners. The bill establishes a schedule for primary and general elections, with the first primary for the first commissioner position set for August 2026 and the subsequent positions in August 2028. The general elections will follow in November of the same years. Until the elections occur, the bill allows for gubernatorial appointments to fill the commissioner positions.

Additionally, the bill amends several existing statutes, including K.S.A. 25-101, 25-101a, 25-4001, 74-601, 74-605, and 74-630, to reflect these changes and repeals the previous sections that governed the appointment process. Notably, it removes references to the vice president in K.S.A. 25-101 and clarifies the terms and conditions under which commissioners will serve, including the requirement for them to be qualified electors of Kansas. The bill aims to enhance democratic accountability by allowing the public to elect their commissioners directly.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-601, 25-101, 25-101a, 25-205, 25-4001, 74-605, 74-630