S.B. 123

1

FILLING VACANCIES IN THE SENATE
2 2008 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: John W. Hickman
5 House Sponsor: Ben C. Ferry
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies provisions of the Election Code relating to filling vacancies in the
10 state Senate.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . provides that when a vacancy occurs in the state Senate, the person appointed to fill
14 the vacancy shall serve for the entire unexpired term rather than only until the next
15 regular general election;
16 . removes the requirement to hold an election to choose a candidate to serve for that
17 part of the unexpired term that may remain after the regular general election; and
18 . makes technical changes.
19 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
20 None
21 Other Special Clauses:
22 None
23 Utah Code Sections Affected:
24 AMENDS:
25 20A-1-503, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 38
26
27 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:

28 Section 1. Section 20A-1-503 is amended to read:
29 20A-1-503. Midterm vacancies in the Legislature.
30 (1) As used in this section, "party liaison" means the political party officer designated
31 to serve as a liaison with the lieutenant governor on all matters relating to the political party's
32 relationship with the state as required by Section 20A-8-401 .
33 (2) When a vacancy occurs for any reason in the office of representative in the
34 Legislature, the governor shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term by immediately
35 appointing the person whose name was submitted by the party liaison of the same political
36 party as the prior representative.
37 (3) [(a)] When a vacancy occurs for any reason in the office of senator in the
38 Legislature, [it shall be filled] the governor shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term [at the
39 next regular general election. (b) The governor shall fill the vacancy until the next regular
40 general election] by immediately appointing the person whose name was submitted by the party
41 liaison of the same political party as the prior senator.




Legislative Review Note
as of 1-3-08 6:49 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel