Bill > SB299

This bill modifies the existing law regarding the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission's transparency and record-keeping practices. Currently, the commission has some discretion in closing certain records, but this bill mandates that most of its records must now be publicly disclosed. Specifically, the bill requires that all commission records, including the names and cities of residence of people nominated to serve on or chair the commission, be open and subject to public disclosure. The only exceptions to this new transparency requirement are background check information and sensitive financial details about judicial office applicants or nominees, which may still be kept confidential. The bill effectively removes previous language that allowed the commission broad discretion in closing records and instead establishes a presumption of openness, aligning the commission more closely with open records principles. By requiring these records to be accessible under the Kansas Open Records Act, the bill aims to increase public transparency in the judicial nomination process.

Government Affairs

Federal and State Affairs (S)

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