CA SCA16

Amends California Constitution to require the Governor to fill legislative vacancies by appointment within 21 days instead of calling an election.

Appointee must have the same political party preference as the vacating Member at the time of their last election, or be nonpartisan if the vacating Member declined to disclose party preference.

The house may reject the appointment by majority vote within 21 days, requiring the Governor to make another appointment subject to the same rejection process.

Appointee takes office the day after the 21-day rejection period expires and serves the remainder of the vacating Member's term, except for Senate seats not ending in the same biennium as the vacancy, which trigger a special election.

Requires two-thirds vote in both legislative houses to pass this constitutional amendment.