TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Leaders of the Kansas House and Senate Judiciary committees expect lawmakers to renew consideration of the way judges are appointed to the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
House Judiciary chairman Lance Kinzer said Thursday the issue will be on the agenda for the Legislature’s 2014 session.
Jeff King, who chairs the Senate panel, says he’ll still pursue a single system for selecting judges for both appellate courts.
The two Republicans spoke a day after the Senate confirmed Caleb Stegall to the Court of Appeals. It was the first appointment under a new law that has the governor name the judges, subject to Senate confirmation.
The Supreme Court still falls under the old system. A nominating commission names three finalists, with no role for legislators after the governor’s appointment.
