AR HB1279

Amends Arkansas Code § 7-8-102 to align with Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 29, regarding filling U.S. Senate vacancies by gubernatorial appointment rather than temporary appointment followed by election.

Governor shall fill vacancies in the U.S. Senate office by appointment, with the appointee serving the entire unexpired term if the seat would normally be filled at the next general election.

If the seat would not normally be filled at the next general election, the remaining term shall be filled at the next general election if the vacancy occurs 4 or more months before that election, or at the second general election if the vacancy occurs less than 4 months before the next election.

Elected replacement shall take office on January 1st following their election and serve the remaining portion of the vacated term.

Declares an emergency to clarify the process for filling U.S. Senate vacancies and becomes effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override; approved March 1, 2017.