HCS HB 681 -- VACANCIES IN PUBLIC OFFICE

SPONSOR:  Deeken (Smith, 150)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elections
by a vote of 7 to 3.

Currently, the office of United States Senator and most statewide
offices, except for the Office of the Governor, may be filled by
a gubernatorial appointment when there is a vacancy.  This
substitute requires special elections to be held for vacancies in
the offices of United States Senator, Lieutenant Governor,
Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State
Treasurer.  If there is an impeachment proceeding for one of
these officers, the Governor will temporarily administer the
duties of the office until the trial; and if there is a
conviction, the special election process will be used to fill the
vacancy.  In the case of a vacancy in the Office of State
Auditor, the Governor will appoint a temporary acting auditor who
will serve until a special election for the office is held.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $0 or
$1,200,000 in FY 2010, FY 2011, and FY 2012.  No impact on Other
State Funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow voters the
right to choose important national and statewide officials and
thereby enhance the democratic process.  Situations such as the
appointment of a United States Senator by a governor facing
impeachment may be avoided.  The bill will clarify the process
for replacing the Lieutenant Governor in the case of a vacancy.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Smith (150).

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:25 am