HB 2287 Summary

• Changes the process for filling legislative vacancies when a party has at least 30 elected precinct committeemen in the affected district and county from nominating three candidates to directly electing a single candidate.

• Elected precinct committeemen must now elect (rather than nominate) one qualified elector within 21 days if legislature is not in session or 5 days if in session, with that person going directly to the presiding officer instead of to the board of supervisors for final appointment.

• Reduces the number of candidates submitted from three to one qualified elector who meets legislative service requirements and belongs to the same political party and resides in the same district and county.

• Maintains existing procedures for filling vacancies when a party has fewer than 30 elected precinct committeemen or when the seat was held by an independent, requiring a citizens panel and board of supervisors appointment process.

• Clarifies that "appropriate political party" means the party the vacating officeholder was affiliated with at the time of most recent election or appointment.