MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Bill No. 105

An Act concerning the offices of United States senator, state treasurer and the commissioner of insurance; relating to the filling of vacancies in such offices; requiring the appointment of a person of the same political party as the incumbent; requiring the legislature to nominate three persons for consideration for such appointment and that the governor appoint one of the nominated persons; establishing the joint committee on vacancy appointments; amending K.S.A. 25-101b and 40-106 and repealing the existing sections; also repealing K.S.A. 25-318.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

While I understand the Legislature’s desire to have a say in the appointment process for filling vacancies for United States senator, state treasurer and insurance commissioner, this bill puts forth a partisan power grab by the Legislature and includes an overly bureaucratic process ripe for undue influence by special interests.

Had the Legislature passed a simpler method for modifying the appointment process for these offices, I would’ve signed it into law. However, given my concerns about the messy process this bill creates, the bill will become law without my signature.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated March 31, 2025.