SB129 Alabama 2018 Session

Under existing law, the Governor may make a temporary appointment to the office of United States Senator upon a vacancy in the office until a successor is elected and qualified.

Also under existing law, whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of United States Senator less than four months but more than 60 days before a general election, the vacancy is filled at that election. If the vacancy occurs more than four months or less than 60 days before a general election, the Governor is required to call a special election.

This bill would eliminate the authority of the Governor to appoint a person to a vacancy in the office of United States Senator and would provide that, upon a vacancy in the office, the Governor must set an election to fill the vacancy to be held within 120 days of the vacancy.

To amend Section 36-9-8 of, and to repeal Section 36-9-7 of, the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to vacancies in the office of United States Senator; to require the Governor to set an election to be held within a specified time frame of a vacancy.