Split Contines Between Judges & Topeka

(AP) – Four judges challenging the Legislature’s move to defund the state judiciary’s budget are undeterred by a plea from the Kansas attorney general urging restraint.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday he was grateful the judges voluntarily dismissed on Thursday their case in federal court, an urged them not to file a new lawsuit. A court has already blocked the law until the Legislature reconvenes.

But the attorney representing the judges responded his clients don’t trust the Legislature and still plan to sue in state court over state constitutional issues. He urged Schmidt to file a court brief agreeing the law is unconstitutional.

Legislation passed this year nullifies the judicial branch’s budget if a 2014 law stripping the Kansas Supreme Court of its ability to appoint chief judges is struck down.