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 provisions related to the appointment process. Notably, it removes language that previously required commissioners to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, and it introduces new provisions for the election of commissioners, ensuring that they will be elected for four-year terms. The bill also includes stipulations regarding the qualifications and terms of office for the commissioners, as well as provisions for filling vacancies.

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