Gov. Sam Brownback is taking applications to fill a new position on the Kansas Court of Appeals, the first to use a new process signed into law this spring.

The vacancy is for a 14th judge to serve on the court.

The new law changed the way judges on the Court of Appeals are appointed and approved. The governor will make an appointment which must be confirmed by the Kansas Senate, similar to how federal judges are appointed. The Senate will have 20 days once it convenes in January 2014 to approve the selection.

Previously, a nominating commission screened applicants for court openings and sent one name to the governor for approval without legislative oversight.