The Kansas Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that would drastically change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are chosen.
The Senate approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611, which is designed as a constitutional amendment to put justices on the ballot along with district court judges. This process would replace the Nominating Commission process, where commission members review applications, conduct interviews and send three finalists to the governor — who then appoints one person that has to be confirmed by the Senate.
SCR 1611 is not designed to change the re-election process, which involves a direct vote of the people.
17th District Senator Mike Argabright of Olpe voted against the measure, which now goes to the House. Senate President Ty Masterson says House approval by a two-thirds majority would put SCR 1611 on the August 2026 ballot. If approved by a simple majority of voters, direct elections for Supreme Court justices would begin in 2028.
This vote comes as lawmakers representing Lyon County have been invited to the latest Legislative Dialogue, which will be Saturday at Flint Hills Technical College. The discussion, including a Q&A session, begins at 8:30 am with light refreshments available at 8 am. Legislative Dialogues are organized by the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Government Matters Committee and the Emporia League of Women Voters chapter.
