State Representative Lance Kinzer has introduced a House Concurrent Resolution that would change the way Kansas Supreme Court Justices are selected. Under HCR 5003 the Governor would be allowed to nominate any licensed Kansas attorney over the age of 30 to serve on the Court. The Governor’s nomination would be subject to Senate Confirmation. This proposal would eliminate the current judicial nominating commission process under which a commission of attorneys and political appointees hand pick three candidates from which the Governor must choose in filling a vacancy on the Court. Senate confirmation is not part of the current process.

In explaining the reason for this proposal Representative Kinzer said, “When the President fills a U.S. Supreme Court vacancy he is not left to choose from among a list submitted to him by the American Bar Association or some other group. He is free to select the best available person for the job. The Governor should have this same authority; subject to review by the Senate to avoid cronyism or other abuse of power.”

Representative Kinzer will also be proposing follow on legislation to establish a similar system for appointment to the Kansas Court of Appeals. Neither of these proposals would change the existing selection process for District Court Judges.