Kan. Stat. § 20-354a
Upon the first vacancy occurring in a district magistrate judge position in the first judicial district as the result of resignation, retirement, death or removal of an incumbent, the supreme court shall eliminate the position and certify its elimination as provided in K.S.A. 20-354, and amendments thereto. Upon the second vacancy occurring in a district magistrate judge position in the first judicial district as the result of resignation, retirement, death or removal of an incumbent, the supreme court shall eliminate the position, and certify its elimination, and create an additional position of district judge of the district court of the district, and certify its creation, as provided in K.S.A. 20-353, and amendments thereto.
K.S.A. 20-354a