SB 624
Relating to vacancies in offices of state officials
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the process for filling vacancies in various state offices, including those held by the Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, judges of the Intermediate Court of Appeals, circuit court judges, family court judges, and magistrates. It outlines procedures for the Governor to appoint acting officials to handle duties during vacancies until a permanent appointment is made, and specifies requirements for elections to fill these positions, particularly concerning timing and candidate filing periods.
Key provisions
- The Governor can appoint an acting official to perform the duties of a state official during a vacancy.
- For certain offices (Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture), the Governor must appoint from a list of three qualified candidates submitted by the political party.
- For judicial vacancies (Supreme Court of Appeals, Intermediate Court of Appeals, circuit court, family court, and magistrates), the Governor appoints, and an election is held if the unexpired term is longer than three years.
- If a vacancy occurs after the 84th day before a general election, the appointed official serves until the end of the term.
- If a vacancy occurs before the primary election, a special election is held concurrently with the primary.
- If a vacancy occurs after the primary election but before the general election, a special election is held concurrently with the general election.
- A special candidate filing period is established for vacancies occurring close to a general election.
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