Constitution of the State of Kansas

Article 8 - Militia

§ 1. Composition; exemption. The militia shall be composed of all able-bodied male citizens between the ages of twenty-one and forty-five years, except such as are exempted by the laws of the United States or of this state; but all citizens of any religious denomination whatever who from scruples of conscience may be adverse to bearing arms shall be exempted therefrom, upon such conditions as may be prescribed by law.

History: Adopted by convention, July 29, 1859; ratified by electors, October 4, 1859; L. 1861, p. 60; L. 1887, p. 339; November 6, 1888.

§ 2. Organization. The Legislature shall provide for organizing, equipping and disciplining the Militia in such manner as it shall deem expedient, not incompatible with the laws of the United States.

History: Adopted by convention, July 29, 1859; ratified by electors, October 4, 1859; L. 1861, p. 60; January 29, 1861.

§ 3. Officers. Officers of the Militia shall be elected or appointed, and commissioned in such manner as may be provided by law.

History: Adopted by convention, July 29, 1859; ratified by electors, October 4, 1859; L. 1861, p. 60; January 29, 1861.

§ 4. Commander-in-Chief. The Governor shall be Commander-in-Chief, and shall have power to call out the Militia to execute the laws, to suppress insurrection, and to repel invasion.

History: Adopted by convention, July 29, 1859; ratified by electors, October 4, 1859; L. 1861, p. 60; January 29, 1861.