Back to Kansas
Kansas2026Passed Legislature

HB2019

Filling Empty County Offices When No One Runs

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 9:52 AM

In one sentence

This bill would let county commissioners appoint someone to fill a local government job if no one runs for it in an election.

What it does

  • Requires the board of county commissioners to pick a qualified person for empty jobs when no candidate ran in the last general election.
  • Defines which specific county jobs this rule covers, including members of the commission and other elected officials.

Who it affects

  • Boards of county commissioners
  • People who hold or seek office as a commissioner, attorney, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, or register of deeds

Limits and unknowns

  • This bill died in committee, so it did not become a law.
  • The text does not explain how the commissioners choose which person to appoint or what rules they must follow during selection beyond being 'qualified'.

Plain language

Terms to know

Board of County Commissioners
The group that manages the county government and would make appointments under this bill.
Vacancy
A job position that is empty because no candidate ran for it in the most recent general election.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official summary

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.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Died in CommitteeHouse
  2. Referred to House Committee on ElectionsHouse
  3. IntroducedHouse