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

3 Co-sponsors

• John A. DeFrancisco
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

BILL NUMBER:S2234

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY Proposing an amendment to article 4 of the constitution, relating to the filling 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 Legislature independently. Such confirmation votes shall be held by each House within 30 days of the Governor's nomination.

Justification

A few years ago, a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant-Governor 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 separate 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

2011-12 - S. 2870 Judiciary Committee/A. 9716 Governmental Operations Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Upon passage of two separately elected Legislatures and approval by the voters after such passage.