HB 1442 -- Vacancies in Office

Sponsor:  Smith (150)

Currently, the Office of United States Senator and most statewide
offices, except for the Office of Governor, may be filled by a
gubernatorial appointment when there is a vacancy.  This bill
requires elections to be held on the general election day if that
is possible in order to ultimately fill the positions of United
States Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary
of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer.  Upon notification
of a vacancy in these offices, the General Assembly, using a
majority vote in both chambers, will appoint an acting officer
until a successor is elected at the special election.  In the
case of an impeachment trial for these offices, the acting
officer will supervise these offices until a final determination
is made, and there is either a reinstatement or the special
election winner takes office.

The bill contains a referendum clause and will be submitted to
qualified voters in November 2012.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated January 26, 2012 at 6:32 pm