Authorizing the board of county commissioners to appoint a person to fill a vacancy in a county-elected office when no candidate runs for such office.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would modify the current process of filling vacancies at the county level, allowing commissioners to make appointments rather than leaving offices unfilled. This approach is expected to enhance governmental efficiency and responsiveness, particularly in instances where crucial positions remain unoccupied due to a lack of candidates. By providing a mechanism for appointments, the legislation aims to avoid disruptions in governance and continue service to the community.
Summary
House Bill 2019 authorizes the board of county commissioners in Kansas to appoint a qualified individual to fill a vacant county-elected office if no candidates ran for that office during the most recent general election. This legislative change is aimed at ensuring that key local government positions remain filled, which could streamline operations and maintain continuity in local governance. The bill specifically pertains to positions such as members of the board of county commissioners, county attorneys, sheriffs, clerks, treasurers, and registers of deeds.
Contention
While the bill presents a solution to the problem of vacant offices, there may be concerns regarding the transparency and accountability of the appointment process. Critics could argue that allowing commissioners to appoint individuals to these positions without an election could undermine democratic principles, leading to potential favoritism or lack of public input. The balance between ensuring continuity in local governance and preserving electoral processes may be a point of contention among stakeholders.
Requiring vacancies in county commissioner districts created by an increase in the number of commissioner districts be filled at the next general election and providing for staggered terms for such newly elected county commissioners.
Requiring a runoff election between the top two candidates whenever a candidate for a statewide office fails to receive a majority of the votes cast at a general or special election.
Requiring annual filing of a statement of substantial interest by local governmental officers and employees, exempting elected or appointed officers of townships or school districts from such requirements absent a change in substantial interests of such officers.
Authorizing the board of county commissioners of any county that is not the most populous county in a multiple-county judicial district to appoint a coroner to serve as the district coroner for the county at the expense of the county.
Substitute for SB 249 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for the filling of a vacancy in the office of state treasurer, commissioner of insurance or lieutenant governor by appointment of a person of the same political party as the incumbent office holder and making such appointment subject to senate confirmation.
Substitute for SB 254 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for the filling of a vacancy in the office of United States senator by appointment of a person of the same political party as the incumbent office holder and making such appointment subject to senate confirmation.
Relating to the wildlife and parks commission, granting appointment authority to multiple state officers and authorizing the election of the chairperson thereof.
Raising the number of signatures required for nomination petitions for independent candidates for statewide office and eliminating the option for such candidates to pay a filing fee in lieu of such petitions.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that vacancies in the offices of the secretary of state and the attorney general be filled by election at a state party delegate convention.