Provides for the filling of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor by appointment of the governor subject to confirmation by the senate and assembly

BILL NUMBER:A295

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY Propos- ing an amendment to article 4 of the constitution, relating to the fill- ing of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor

Purpose

Provides a method of filling vacancies in the office of the Lieutenant-Governor.

Summary of provisions

This bill would provide that in the case of a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant-Governor alone, the Governor shall nominate a new Lieutenant-Governor within 30 days of the vacancy, subject to confirmation by majority votes of both Houses of the Legisla- ture independently. Such confirmations votes shall be held by each House within 30 days of the Governor's nomination.

Justification

The recent vacancy in the office of Lieutenant-Governor has called attention to the fact that under current law, there is no method available to appoint a new Lieutenant-Governor. This bill would enact a system identical to the one used under the Federal Constitution to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President. Requiring sepa- rate votes from each House of the Legislature, rather than a single vote in joint session, ensures that no single House has enough votes to confirm the nomination by itself.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Resolved (if the Senate concur), That the foregoing amendments be referred to the first regular legislative session conven- ing after the next succeeding general election of Members of the Assem- bly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitu- tion, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.