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Bill

HB 2019

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Gives county commissioners authority to appoint a qualified person to fill a county-elected office when no candidate ran in the most recent general election.

Died in Committee
#counties #elections
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Bill Summary · HB 2019

HB 2019 — Summary (Kansas)

Authorizing county commissioners to appoint someone when no candidate runs for a county-elected office

Purpose and intent

HB 2019 authorizes a county’s board of county commissioners to appoint a qualified person to fill a county-elected office that becomes vacant because no candidate ran for that office at the most recent general election. The bill aims to provide a clear mechanism to fill offices left unfilled due to the absence of candidates.

Key provisions

  • Grants the board of county commissioners authority to appoint a qualified person to assume a county-elected office when that office had no candidate at the most recent general election.
  • Defines “county-elected office” to include:
    • Member of the board of county commissioners
    • County attorney
    • Sheriff
    • County clerk
    • County treasurer
    • Register of deeds
  • Effective date: the act takes effect and is in force from and after its publication in the statute book (i.e., upon official publication following enactment).

Who is affected

  • County governments and boards of county commissioners: they gain appointment authority in the specified circumstance.
  • The specified county-elected offices listed above: vacancies caused by no candidate appearing on the ballot at the most recent general election would be filled by appointment rather than left vacant or filled by another mechanism.
  • Voters: indirect effect by ensuring offices are filled even when no candidate ran.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Division of the Budget fiscal note (dated Feb 5, 2025) indicates:
    • The Secretary of State would use existing resources to update training and public education/promotional materials; any costs are expected to be negligible.
    • The Kansas Association of Counties indicates no fiscal effect on counties.
    • No fiscal impact is reflected in the FY 2026 Governor’s Budget Report.

Procedural / timeline status

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025 (filed / referred to Committee on Elections).
  • Current status (as provided): Referred to Committee on Elections.
  • Effective upon publication in the statute book after enactment.

Notes and observations

  • The text authorizes appointment of a “qualified person,” but does not specify in the statute text provided: (a) detailed eligibility criteria beyond “qualified,” (b) an appointment process (e.g., public notice, application, hearing), or (c) the length of the appointed term (whether to complete a term or until next election). Local practice or other statutes may govern those procedural details unless further clarified by amendment or implementing rules.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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