TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate has postponed a debate on a measure declaring that state Supreme Court justices can be impeached for attempting to usurp the power of the Legislature or executive branch.
On a voice vote Monday, senators removed a list of impeachable offenses from a bill clarifying the Supreme Court’s authority to administer the judicial branch. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jeff King promised that his panel would consider a separate bill on impeachment next month.
The Senate gave the narrowed bill first-round approval on a voice vote and plans to take final action Tuesday.
The state constitution says justices can be impeached and removed for treason, bribery or other “high crimes and misdemeanors.” The proposal to spell out other grounds comes after a court ruling against a school funding law.
