HI SB5

Allows a governor's appointment to fill a legislative vacancy to be valid for both the unexpired term and the next succeeding term if the vacancy occurs due to death or permanent incapacitation before a primary election but after the close of filing, and the prior incumbent was the only candidate on the ballot for that seat.

Applies the provision to both state senate and state house of representatives vacancies.

Maintains existing requirements that appointees must be from the same political party as the prior incumbent (or non-affiliated if prior incumbent was non-affiliated), be residents of the same district, and have been party members for at least six months before appointment.

Requires the political party to submit a list of three prospective appointees within thirty calendar days of the vacancy, with the governor making the appointment within sixty calendar days.

Effective date: January 1, 2525.