HB 1884 Summary

• Establishes the "Executive Branch Accountability Act of 2014" requiring the governor to issue writs of election within 30 days when vacancies occur in state legislative positions, rather than "without delay" as previously stated.

• Requires senate confirmation for gubernatorial appointments to executive department heads and administrative board/commission members, applying this requirement to all such appointments regardless of whether existing law specifically mandates it.

• Creates procedures for filling vacancies in statewide elected offices (Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer) through gubernatorial appointment until successor elected at next general election.

• Standardizes acting director succession rules across multiple departments: deputy directors may serve as acting heads for up to 120 days, with 30-day extensions if senate rejects a permanent appointment; acting directors receive equal compensation to directors after 30 days of service.

• Makes the entire act contingent on voter approval of a constitutional amendment regarding gubernatorial appointment authority in the November 2014 election.