Bill > SB5

This bill modifies Hawaii's laws regarding how legislative vacancies are filled in the state senate and house of representatives. Currently, when a legislative seat becomes vacant, the governor must appoint a replacement within 60 days, typically selecting from a list of three candidates submitted by the same political party as the previous incumbent. The new provision specifically addresses a unique scenario where a legislator dies or becomes permanently incapacitated before a primary election, after the filing period has closed, and was the only candidate on the ballot. In such cases, the governor's appointee would serve not just for the remainder of the unexpired term, but also for the next full term. The bill requires that the appointee be a member of the same political party (or not affiliated with any party, if the previous incumbent was not), be a resident of the same district, and have been a party member for at least six months prior to the appointment. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2525, and does not impact any rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=5&year=2025