20-2902. Application of 20-2903 to 20-2913 to judicial districts adopting proposition of nonpartisan selection of judges of the district court, judicial district defined; effect on terms of incumbent judges; constitutional restriction on political activities; removal. (a) The provisions of K.S.A. 20-2903 to 20-2913, inclusive, and amendments thereto, shall apply only in judicial districts in which the proposition of nonpartisan selection of judges of the district court has been approved by the qualified electors of such judicial districts, as provided in K.S.A. 20-2901, and as used in K.S.A. 20-2903 to 20-2913, inclusive, and amendments thereto, the term "judicial district" shall mean any judicial district to which said sections apply.

(b) The provisions of this act shall not affect the term of office of any person serving as judge of the district court at the time of any general election at which the proposition for nonpartisan selection of judges of the district court is on the ballot, nor shall it affect the term of office of any person elected as judge of the district court at any such election; but upon the expiration of the term of office of any such judge in a judicial district in which the qualified electors thereof have approved nonpartisan selection of judges of the district court, as provided in K.S.A. 20-2901, the retention of such judge in office or the selection of a successor to such office shall be governed by K.S.A. 20-2903 to 20-2913, inclusive, and amendments thereto.

(c) Whenever a judicial district shall approve the proposition of nonpartisan selection of judges of the district court as provided in K.S.A. 20-2901, each district court judge serving in such judicial district shall be subject to the restrictions imposed on his or her political activities by section 8 of article 3 of the Kansas constitution. Any such judge who violates said restrictions shall be subject to removal from office in the manner prescribed by law.

History: L. 1974, ch. 137, § 2; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 96; Jan. 10, 1977.