SB 465

Currently, the governor fills by appointment all vacancies in the offices of

secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, and state superintendent of public

instruction. The person appointed to fill any such vacancy is not subject to senate

confirmation and holds office until a successor is elected by special election and

qualified. If no special election is held, the person appointed by the governor holds

office for the remainder of the unexpired term.

This bill eliminates the ability of the governor to fill vacancies in these offices

by appointment without senate confirmation, instead providing that the vacancies

are filled by special election. However under the bill, if a vacancy occurs in any of

these offices on or after January 1 of a year in which there is a regularly scheduled

election for the office, the vacancy must be filled by nomination of the governor and

appointment with the advice and consent of the senate of a person to serve the

remainder of the unexpired term.