HB 2539 Kansas House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Authorizing library boards to change from being appointed members to elected members and requiring that the members of the Eudora community library district board of directors be elected to such positions.

HB 2539 would require the Eudora community library district board of directors to be elected by residents instead of appointed. The bill mandates that the city of Eudora and Eudora township adopt a joint resolution specifying elections in even-numbered years, setting term lengths (up to four years), and establishing staggered terms. This change directly affects Eudora residents who would vote for library board members and replaces the current system where board members were appointed by local officials. The bill does not alter library services or funding, only the selection process for the governing board. (Note: The bill is currently pending in committee as of January 2026.)

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Jan 26, 2026 Signed Apr 9, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Amended by House Committee on Local Government → As Amended by Senate Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics · 4 edits

MODERATE

The Senate amendment transforms the bill from a specific mandate for the Eudora library into a general law allowing any Kansas library to switch between appointed and elected boards. It adds a new section granting libraries the power to vote on board elections if 25% of voters petition for it, while simultaneously adding an exemption that prevents this new general rule from applying to libraries already governed by specific statutes, including the Eudora district.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a single local case to a statewide process for library governance changes, but it created a specific exception that excludes the Eudora library district from this new statewide authority.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new general provision allowing any library to adopt a resolution and submit a question to voters regarding the election of board members if requested by 25% of qualified electors.

Added specific rules for initial board terms and election logistics, such as staggering terms so no more than a simple majority is elected at once and setting all future terms to four years.

EXEMPTIONS

Added an exemption clause stating that the new election process does not apply to libraries established under specific existing statutes, including K.S.A. 12-1296, which governs the Eudora community library district.

SCOPE

Changed the bill title and introductory text to reflect the shift from a specific act for Eudora to a general act concerning the process for changing from appointed to elected governing boards.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 9, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor on Monday, April 6, 2026

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Concurred with amendments in conference; Yea 89, Nay 34, Absent 2

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to accede adopted; Sen. Elaine Bowers, Sen. Ronald Ryckman and Sen. Oletha Faust Goudeau appointed as conferees

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Nonconcurred with amendments; Conference Committee requested; appointed Rep. Emil Bergquist, Rep. Doug Blex and Rep. Linda Featherston

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Final Action - Passed as amended; Yea 37, Nay 3

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee of the Whole - Be passed as amended

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted

upper

Mar 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by Senate Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to Senate Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Introduced

Received and Introduced

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Final Action - Passed as amended; Yea 96, Nay 26, Absent 3

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee of the Whole - Be passed as amended

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by House Committee on Local Government

lower

Jan 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to House Committee on Local Government

lower

Jan 26, 2026

Introduced

lower

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors