TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Senate committee is preparing to debate a bill expanding the legal grounds for impeaching and removing judges and state Supreme Court justices from office. The Judiciary Committee was expected to vote today (TUE) on the measure but delayed any action until Thursday. The panel is considering it after many Republican lawmakers have criticized the Supreme Court over school funding and death penalty rulings. The state constitution says public officials can be impeached for bribery, treason and other high crimes and misdemeanors. The bill provides more detail for the judiciary. The list of impeachable offenses would include attempting to "usurp the power" of legislators or the executive branch and "wanton or reckless judicial conduct." If the House impeaches an official, the Senate tries the case, with a two-thirds majority required for conviction and removal from office.
Kansas Lawmakers Consider Bill Making It Easier to Get Rid of Judges, Justices
