Silver Haired Legislature

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) is a unicameral legislature composed of 125 representatives. All are over 60 and are elected from their county residence. Wyandotte, Johnson, Shawnee and Sedgwick counties have 5 additional delegates. The legislature provides an educational experience in the political process and provides an opportunity to identify priority concerns of Kansas senior citizens. The SHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and the Governor as recommendations for state policy.

The purpose of the Silver Haired Legislature is:

• To Educate - Participation provides experience in the political process.
• To Inform - Actions of the SHL inform the public and the Kansas Legislature on concerns of the elderly.
• To Involve - The SHL provides over 412,000 seniors a way to become involved. 

2008 Silver Haired Legislature Members

Silver Haired Legislators are charged with the following reponsibilities:

• Advocate for the legislation by the SHL
• Testify at hearings on SHL legislation
• Meet with seniors in their county/district on SHL legislation affecting the elderly
• Attend scheduled SHL meetings

The SHL is funded by donations and volunteer help. Contributions are tax deductible and may be made payable to the "SHL Treasurer" and sent to the treasurer or to an Area Agency on Aging.

Silver Haired Legislator elections are conducted by the Area Agencies on Aging across the state every two years. Candidate registration forms, petitions and filing instructions are available from any Area Agency on Aging. Any Kansan aged 60 and over who is a registered voter may file for candidacy. The term of office is two years. To become a candidate obtain the rules and procedures from an Area Agency on Aging or an officer of the SHL. If you do not want to become a candidate, support your Silver Haired Legislator(s) and suggest issues of concern to the elderly.

Read about the bills introduced in the 2007 Session