Senate committee tables House Bill 176 on public-office vacancy process

The Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee voted to table House Bill 176, "Vacancies in Public Office Amendments," after lawmakers raised concerns the measure would centralize selection authority at the state level and reduce county control.

Supporters included Representative Bratton and a letter from Sheridan County Commissioner Holly Jennings; Elena Campbell of Sheridan County testified remotely in favor of the bill. Representative Bratton said the letter documented a county incident that motivated the legislation and described local election outcomes that informed the proposed change.

Committee members pressing against the bill argued it would transfer too much authority from county commissioners to state officials. Senator Landau (who moved to table the bill) said the proposal was a ‘‘real deal breaker’’ because it would remove the county’s ability to supply a list of three candidates for local appointment. Landau said the committee already has an interim request from the secretary of state on the subject and preferred that be pursued.

A roll call on the motion to table recorded three ayes and two noes and the motion passed. The committee did not take further action on the bill at the hearing.

The action ends the committee’s immediate consideration; sponsors and supporters may pursue the topic during the interim. No statutory citations were introduced during the hearing. The committee indicated the issue could be revisited after interim work by the secretary of state.

Votes at a glance: Motion to table House Bill 176 (vacancies in public office amendments) — outcome: tabled; tally reported as 3 ayes, 2 noes.