SESSION OF 2025
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2022
As Recommended by House Committee on
Elections
Brief*
HB 2022 would amend the definition of “special election”
in election law of general application to clarify that a special
election shall not be held within 45 days before or after a
general or primary election.
[Note: Current law states a special election shall not be
held within 45 days of a general or primary election.]
Background
The bill was introduced by the House Committee on
Elections at the request of Representative Waggoner.
House Committee on Elections
In the House Committee hearing, a representative of the
Office of the Secretary of State presented proponent
testimony stating that the bill would clarify the intent of the 45-
day provision, which the representative stated was always
meant to be before or after an election to ensure a county
election officer is not faced with a conflict between state and
federal law regarding the time registration books may be
closed.
No other testimony was provided.
____________________
*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research
Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental
note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at
https://klrd.gov/ The House Committee recommended the bill be placed
on the Consent Calendar.
Fiscal Information
According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of
the Budget on the bill, the Secretary of State indicates it
would use existing resources to update training materials for
local election officials and update educational and
promotional materials for the voting public regarding the
provisions of the bill. Any fiscal effect associated with
enactment of HB 2022 is not reflected in The 2026
Governor’s Budget Report.
The Kansas Association of Counties indicates the bill
could have a fiscal effect on counties if there is an increase in
special elections but is unable to estimate the fiscal effect.
Special election
2- 2022