TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A proposal has been introduced in the Kansas Senate to spell out grounds for impeaching state Supreme Court justices, and the list includes attempting to usurp the Legislature’s authority.
The bill was introduced Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Republican Sen. Mitch Holmes of St. John said he sought the measure.
The state constitution says justices can be impeached by the House, tried by the Senate and removed if convicted of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
Holmes said the constitutional language offers no guidelines to lawmakers, and without guidelines, they’re not ever likely to exercise their power to impeach and try justices.
Other impeachment grounds listed in the bill include attempting to usurp the executive branch’s power, judicial ethics breaches and failing to adequately supervise subordinates.
