Bill > HB1555

This bill establishes a uniform procedure for filling vacancies in municipal offices across Arkansas, replacing previous varying local regulations. Under the new law, municipalities can fill vacancies through two primary methods: first, at the initial council meeting after a vacancy occurs, the governing body can elect a person by majority vote to serve the unexpired term, with specific restrictions such as prohibiting governing body members from voting on their own appointment in municipalities with 50,000 or more residents; alternatively, the governing body can call a special election to be held at the next available special election date to fill the vacant position. In cases where a special election is called, the governing body may appoint a qualified elector to serve in the office until the election occurs. The bill also specifies that for municipalities with a mayor, any appointment to fill a vacancy is not subject to mayoral veto. This legislation standardizes vacancy filling procedures across different types and sizes of municipal governments, providing clear guidelines for replacing elected officials who cannot complete their terms due to various circumstances such as resignation, death, or relocation.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1555&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R