The bill amends K.S.A. 19-3419 to establish significant changes regarding the office of county election commissioner in counties with populations exceeding 125,000. It stipulates that the election commissioner will be appointed by the secretary of state and will serve a four-year term. A search committee, including representatives from the county and the secretary of state's office, will recommend candidates for the position. However, starting July 1, 2025, the secretary of state will no longer appoint individuals to this office. Instead, upon any vacancy, all responsibilities related to elections will be transferred to the county clerk, who will then oversee the conduct of elections in accordance with existing laws.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that, once there are no individuals holding the office of county election commissioner in Kansas, the relevant statutory provisions will cease to have effect. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 19-3419 entirely, indicating a complete overhaul of the current election commissioner structure in favor of transferring election responsibilities to county clerks. This change aims to streamline election administration and ensure continuity in the management of electoral processes.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 19-3419