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House passes HB 40 to streamline filling midterm legislative vacancies, 74-0
Summary
House Bill 40, which replaces the statutory reference to 'central committee' with a party 'liaison' (typically a county or state party chair) to transmit replacement names to the governor, passed the House 74‑0. Sponsors said the change reduces cost and corrects constitutional concerns about control of party structure.
Representative Frank moved to uncircle House Bill 40 and explained it simplifies the statutory process for filling midterm legislative vacancies by replacing the term "central committee" with "party liaison," typically a county or state party chair designated by party bylaws. The sponsor said the change saves expense and helps avoid constitutional issues tied to prescribing party structure.
Representative Becker and others said the bill corrects statutory language that has caused constitutional questions in prior sessions and urged passage. Representative Lockhart and Representative Daniels reiterated that the change is procedural, reduces a burdensome central‑committee step and leaves the party free to define its own internal procedures in bylaws.
The House voted; the clerk recorded 74 yes votes and 0 no votes. House Bill 40 passed the House and will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
