AZ HB2156

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 41-1202 regarding the process for filling legislative vacancies through appointment rather than election.

For vacancies in districts where the party has at least 30 precinct committeemen, precinct committeemen must nominate three qualified candidates within 21 days (or 5 days if legislature is in session), and the county board of supervisors appoints one within 5 business days of receiving nominations.

For vacancies in districts where the party has fewer than 30 precinct committeemen or the seat was held by an independent, the county board of supervisors appoints a citizens panel to nominate three qualified candidates within 7 business days, and the supervisors appoint one within 5 business days.

Requires all nominees to be registered members of the same political party as the person who vacated the office (or registered independent if applicable) and to reside in the same legislative district and county as the vacating officeholder.

Specifies that if the vacating officeholder changed parties after taking office, the appointee must be from the same party the officeholder belonged to when originally elected or appointed.