AZ SB1588

Expands the pool of candidates for filling legislative vacancies by allowing boards of supervisors to consider any current or previously elected official who meets qualifications, in addition to the three nominees submitted by precinct committeemen

Requires candidates for appointment to belong to the same political party and reside in the same legislative district and county as the person who held the vacant seat

Maintains existing timelines: 10 calendar days for appointment when legislature is in session or special session is pending, 21 calendar days when not in session

Grants the state party chairman backup appointment authority if the board of supervisors fails to act within prescribed deadlines, with the chairman able to choose from the three nominees or any current/previously elected official the board considered

Applies to both party-organized vacancies (with 30+ precinct committeemen) and citizen panel processes (for parties with fewer than 30 committeemen or independent seats)