Governor Brownback issued a proclamation August 6 to formally order a Special Session of the Legislature to begin at 8 a.m. September 3rd and end at 5 p.m. September 5th. The Governor's goal is to have a quick session to deal with a specific issue plus confirmation of some gubernatorial appointees, including a new member of the Kansas Court of Appeals.

The Special Session was requested by Attorney General Derek Schmidt to address the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that holds some parts of Kansas Hard 50 Sentencing statutes unconstitutional.

The House will have two new members: Bud Estes, R-Dodge City, who replaces Rep. Brian Weber who resigned to spend more time with his family and business; and Mike Kiegerl, R-Olathe, a former legislator who was elected to replace Rep. Arlen Siegfreid who resigned when he was appointed by Governor Brownback to serve as the Chief Hearing Officer for the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.

Two additional new members will join the House in January 2014, replacing Rep. Bob Grant, D-Frontenac, and Rep. Nile Dillmore, D-Wichita, both are retiring.