Melany Barnes was appointed to replace longtime Rep. Tom Sawyer this fall as he resigned the position to accept an appointment on the Kansas Parole Board. Melany previously served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1999-2002. During her previous term of service, Melany was instrumental in the successful passage of Worker Compensation legislation after the DeBruce Grain Elevator Explosion, requiring 20 hours of mediation. She was also involved with the passage and implementation of KPERS legislation and legislation that allowed schools to utilize software funded through Capitol Outlay.

Melany is a strong addition to the Kansas House Democratic Caucus.