AR HR1009

Authorizes Senator Williams to introduce legislation amending Arkansas Code § 7-7-105 concerning the process for filling vacancies in offices of U.S. House of Representatives members, Lieutenant Governor, and state legislature members.

Modifies special election timeline requirements by allowing the Governor discretion to delay special elections beyond 150 days if deemed impracticable or unduly burdensome due to the timing of the vacancy.

Creates exception for Lieutenant Governor vacancies occurring less than 10 months before the next scheduled general election, allowing the Governor to skip the special election if the office would be filled at the general election and the special election cost exceeds $1,000,000.

Applies amendments retroactively to vacancies occurring on or after January 1, 2014.

Declares an emergency clause making the act effective upon Governor approval, allowing the state to avoid special election expenses the Governor determines are impractical.