Bill > SB299

This bill amends existing Kansas law to require the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, which is responsible for recommending candidates for the state's Supreme Court, to make most of its records public under the Kansas Open Records Act, a law that generally grants the public access to government records. Specifically, the bill mandates that all records of the commission, including the names and cities of residence of individuals nominated for the commission or its chairperson, must be disclosed. However, it carves out an exception, allowing the commission to keep confidential sensitive financial information or background check details of applicants or nominees for judicial office. The bill also clarifies that no rule adopted by the commission or the Kansas Supreme Court can prevent the disclosure of these records, overriding any previous discretion the commission might have had to withhold them under other exceptions to public disclosure.

Government Affairs

Federal and State Affairs (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb299/