Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB129

Introduced
1/30/25  

Caption

Raising the mandatory retirement age for magistrate judges regularly admitted to practice law who serve in counties with a population of 10,000 or fewer people.

Impact

The implementation of SB 129 is expected to impact the judicial landscape in Kansas, especially in rural counties. By raising the retirement age, it allows magistrate judges to serve longer, potentially increasing the continuity and stability of judicial services in these communities. The bill acknowledges that the experience gained through years of service can be invaluable, especially where judicial resources are scarce. However, this legislative change may also result in fewer opportunities for younger judges to advance in their careers, creating debate about the balance of experience versus fresh perspectives within the judiciary.

Summary

Senate Bill 129 proposes to raise the mandatory retirement age for district magistrate judges who are regularly admitted to practice law and serve in counties with a population of 10,000 or fewer. Specifically, the bill modifies existing statutes related to the retirement age, establishing that magistrate judges in these areas must retire upon reaching the age of 78, an increase from the former retirement age. This change aims to address the need for experienced judicial officials in smaller jurisdictions, where the talent pool may be limited.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB 129 have highlighted points of contention regarding age and the requisite qualifications for judicial appointments. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for maintaining a high standard of judicial expertise in smaller jurisdictions where judges may encounter a variety of complex legal issues. Conversely, critics suggest that extending the service age could impede the influx of new judges who may bring different experiences and viewpoints to the bench. The tension between retaining seasoned judges and fostering opportunities for newer generations will likely remain a focal point of debate as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB505

Increasing the KPERS retirement benefit multiplier for members who are security officers of the department of corrections.

KS HB2711

Enacting the countries of concern divestment act, increasing the statutory alternative investment percentage limitation for the KPERS trust fund, increasing the amount of KPERS retirant compensation subject to the statutory employer contribution rate to the first $40,000 earned in a calendar year, providing a KPERS working after retirement exemption for retirants employed by a community developmental disability organization or a community service provider in a licensed professional nurse, licensed practical nurse or direct support position and increasing the working after retirement earnings limit for members of the Kansas police and firemen's retirement system.

KS HB2272

Establishing a KPERS working after retirement exemption for retirants employed by a community developmental disability organization in a licensed professional nurse, licensed practical nurse or direct support position.

KS HB2497

Prohibiting district magistrate judges from issuing search warrants.

KS SB396

Reducing the waiting period for a KPERS retirant to return to work for a participating employer during a period beginning July 1, 2024, and ending July 1, 2029.

KS HB2619

Expanding the deferred retirement option program (DROP) membership to all KPERS members.

KS SB430

Providing workers compensation act coverage for the Kansas national guard, limiting benefit reductions for retirement benefits, increasing dependents death benefits, reducing certain functional impairment requirements, increasing compensation for certain disability categories and for treatment without authorization, raising the evidentiary standard for future medical treatment, limiting certain procedures for post-award medical benefit claims, allowing benefit payment by funds transfer or payment cards, establishing procedures for neutral healthcare examinations, exchanges and admission of medical reports, extending employee injury notification deadlines, eliminating the deadline for motions to avoid dismissal for lack of prosecution, providing for expedited settlement and digital recording of hearings and other changes to the workers compensation act.

KS HB2776

Providing workers compensation act coverage for the Kansas national guard, limiting benefit reductions for retirement benefits, increasing dependents death benefits, reducing certain functional impairment requirements, increasing compensation for certain disability categories and for treatment without authorization, raising the evidentiary standard for future medical treatment, limiting certain procedures for post-award medical benefit claims, allowing benefit payment by funds transfer or payment cards, establishing procedures for neutral healthcare examinations, exchanges and admission of medical reports, extending employee injury notification deadlines, eliminating the deadline for motions to avoid dismissal for lack of prosecution, providing for expedited settlement and digital recording of hearings and other changes to the workers compensation act.

KS SB388

Increasing the amount of retirant compensation subject to the statutory employer contribution rate to the first $40,000 earned by a retirant in a calendar year.

KS SB229

House Substitute for SB 229 by Committee on Legislative Modernization - Creating the legislative compensation commission, prescribing powers and duties of the commission and the legislature, establishing the rate of pay for statewide elected officials based on the salary for members of Congress and establishing the rate of pay for judges and justices based on the salary for district judges of the United States.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.