Topeka ? Democrats in the Kansas Senate have three new leaders following the departure of a veteran legislator for a job with a state court that hears tax disputes.

Janis Lee’s decision late last year to become chief hearing officer for the state Court of Tax Appeals left Senate Democrats without an assistant minority leader.

Minority Leader Anthony Hensley says the eight Democrats in the 40-member Senate have chosen Laura Kelly, of Topeka, as assistant minority leader.

Kelly had been serving as minority party whip. Democrats picked Sen. Tom Holland, of Baldwin City, for that job.

Holland had been caucus chairman. That job went to Sen. Marci Francisco, of Lawrence.

Republicans hold a 32-8 majority in the Senate.