TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A vote is looming in the Kansas Senate on overhauling the way judges are selected for the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
Senators planned to vote Wednesday on a proposed constitutional amendment to give the governor and legislators more power over appellate court appointments. The measure is favored by conservative Republicans frustrated by past court rulings ordering lawmakers to boost spending on public schools.
Under the measure, the governor would appoint appellate court members, subject to Senate confirmation.
The change would scrap an attorney-led commission that screens applicants and nominates three finalists for each vacancy. The governor must pick one, with no role for legislators.
Constitutional amendments must be adopted by two-thirds majorities in both chambers and approved by a simple majority of voters in a statewide election.
