Imposing conditional term limits on members of the legislature and requiring nomination for office by petition after such term limits have run.
Impact
The implementation of SB 118 will mark a significant change to the existing legislative framework. It will not only limit the number of terms a legislator can serve, but the requirement for nomination petitions after reaching the term cap introduces an additional layer of qualification. This may invigorate the political landscape in Kansas by encouraging more candidates to enter the fray, as veteran legislators may find it more challenging to secure their positions after exhausting their term limits without a solid backing from their constituents via petitions.
Summary
Senate Bill 118 proposes to implement conditional term limits for members of the Kansas legislature, specifically capping the tenure of house representatives at six two-year terms and state senators at three four-year terms. The bill includes provisions for incumbents to seek reelection even after reaching these term limits, but only through a nomination process that requires petitions. This structure is aimed at enhancing accountability and ensuring a turnover in legislative positions, thereby allowing fresh perspectives within the state governance.
Contention
Throughout discussions surrounding the bill, there were notable points of contention. Proponents argue that term limits are essential for preventing stagnation within the legislature and that they empower citizens by allowing new representatives to emerge. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the potential loss of experienced lawmakers who have acquired valuable knowledge over time, which could affect legislative efficiency and continuity. Additionally, the stipulation for nomination by petition may prove burdensome and could limit accessibility for some candidates, potentially skewing the representation in the legislature.
Requiring a candidate's non-government issued email address be provided with declarations of intent, nomination petitions or nomination certifications for national, state and local offices.
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.
Changing the candidate filing deadline and the primary election date to two months earlier than current law, increasing campaign contribution limits and modifying restrictions on campaign activities during legislative sessions.
Specifying when boards of directors for irrigation districts of 35,000 or more acres may conduct board member elections by mail ballot and establishing the terms for such members.
Requiring a witness to each signature on an advance voting ballot envelope and limiting the witness to not more than 10 advance voting ballot envelopes.
Requiring a presidential preference primary election to be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May every fourth year and changing the primary election date for all primary elections to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May.
Changing the lists of persons who are required to be given notice of the hearing on a petition for an independent or stepparent, private agency or public agency adoption and limiting a petition to terminate parental rights to adoption proceedings and setting requirements for such petitions filed separately from petitions for adoption.
School aid: penalties; school aid penalties for districts and intermediate districts; modify. Amends secs. 15 & 163 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1615 & 388.1763).
Education: teachers and administrators; certain requirements concerning eligibility to serve as a substitute teacher; modify sunset. Amends sec. 1233 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1233).
Education: teachers and administrators; certain requirements concerning eligibility to serve as a substitute teacher; modify. Amends sec. 1233 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1233).