Bill > SB143

This bill establishes term limits for members of the Kansas legislature, allowing representatives and senators to serve a maximum of 16 years in total (combining time served in both chambers). However, legislators can potentially extend their service by four additional years if they receive at least 70% of the votes in the subsequent primary election. To calculate total years of service, both full and partial terms are counted, and years served can be consecutive or non-consecutive. Starting January 11, 2027, no individual will be eligible for election to the legislature if they have already served 16 or more years. For legislators seeking to serve beyond the initial 16-year limit, they must be certified as the winning candidate in the primary election with at least 70% of the votes. If a candidate exceeding the 16-year limit receives less than 70% of votes but still has the highest number of votes, the candidate with the next highest vote total will be certified as the winner. If no other candidates are on the ballot and the candidate does not meet the 70% threshold, no winner will be certified for that election. The bill amends existing election laws to incorporate these new term limit provisions and will take effect upon publication in the statute book.