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Bill would require special election to fill a vacant lieutenant governor seat
Summary
Senator Brown presented SB 264 to create an electoral process to fill a vacant lieutenant governor position rather than using an appointment, citing a past vacancy when the lieutenant governor was elected attorney general. Committee discussion raised no objections but no vote was taken.
Senator Brown presented Senate Bill 264, which would require that a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor be filled through a special election rather than by appointment. Brown cited a previous occasion when the lieutenant governor was elected attorney general, leaving the lieutenant governor’s duties without an acting presiding officer in the State Senate for about two years.
"This legislation creates a process to fill the vacancy if that seat becomes vacant, through an election," Brown said, noting that other state offices are currently filled by appointment. Committee members had brief clarifying remarks and several requested to be added as co-sponsors; no amendments or formal votes occurred during the meeting.
If enacted, SB 264 would alter the method for filling that particular statewide office when vacant. The sponsor said he did not expect immediate opposition in committee and that members appeared comfortable adding their names as co-sponsors.
