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KS SB299
KS SB299Requiring the supreme court nominating commission to release certain records under the Kansas open records act.
summary
Introduced
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT concerning courts; relating to the supreme court nominating commission; requiring certain records of the commission to be released under the open records act; amending K.S.A. 20-123 and repealing the existing section.
AI Summary
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.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Federal and State Affairs (S)
Last Action
House Referred to Committee on Federal and State Affairs (on 02/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb299/ |
| Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs Report | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/cr_2026_sb299_s_3277.pdf |
| Analysis - Supplemental Note: As introduced | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_sb299_00_0000.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - Ficsal Note: As introduced | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_sb299_00_0000.pdf |
| BillText | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb299_00_0000.pdf |
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