What is The Silver Haired Legislature?
Created by an Act of Congress in 1969, each state was encouraged to create a body of Seniors who would identify issues important to older Kansas adults 60+ and to educate the Kansas Legislature about those issues.
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) was created by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1649, which was passed by the 1982 Legislature. It created a unicameral legislature composed of 125 representatives. All are 60+ years old and are elected from their county of residence. Wyandotte, Johnson, Shawnee and Sedgwick have five additional representatives.
Silver Haired Legislature Provides Opportunities
- To identify priority concerns of Kansans over 60 years of age;
- To develop bills and resolutions designed to address those identified concerns; and
- To present those resolutions to the Kansas Legislature & Governor as recommendations for state policy.
What Are Responsibilities of the Silver Haired Legislature?
- Advocate for the KSHL Legislation with State Legislators.
- Testify at hearings held regarding KSHL Legislation.
- Meet with seniors in their county & district about legislation affecting older adults.
Who May Become a Silver Haired Legislator?
Any Kansan aged 60 or over who is a registered voter may file for candidacy. The term of office is two years and members may file for re-election.
How To Get Involved
To become a candidate, obtain rules & procedures from the AAA or the SHL office. If not a candidate, support your representatives and suggest legislation about issues that concern older Kansans. For more information click here: Silver Haired Legislature