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Kansas committee advances amendment to elect Supreme Court justices after heated debate
Summary
The House Committee on Judiciary voted 9-7 to pass SCR 16 11 favorably, a constitutional amendment that would replace the Supreme Court nominating commission with direct elections for Kansas Supreme Court justices. Supporters said voters should choose justices; opponents warned about politicizing the bench and campaign influence.
The House Committee on Judiciary voted 9 to 7 on Monday to pass SCR 16 11 favorably for passage, a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate the Supreme Court Nominating Commission and allow Kansas voters to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices directly.
Proponents said the change would restore a democratic check on the judiciary. “Do you trust the voters of Kansas to select the seven people who run the third branch of our government?” Representative Lewis asked during committee discussion. “I do, and I therefore support SCR 16 11.”
Supporters framed the amendment as a remedy for perceived elite control of judicial selection. Lewis traced the present system to…
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