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Bill

S 5592

Authorizes the governor to fill vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor on confirmation of both houses of the legislature

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Liu

Allows the governor to appoint a replacement lieutenant-governor for a vacancy, with confirmation by both legislative chambers.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · S 5592

Summary of S 5592: Authorizes the governor to fill vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor on confirmation of both houses of the legislature

Overview

S 5592 would authorize the governor to fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor, subject to confirmation by both houses of the legislature. The bill aims to establish a formal process for replacing a lieutenant-governor when the office becomes vacant, ensuring a timely and legislative-oversight mechanism for such an appointment.

  • Sponsor (primary): John Liu
  • Introduced: February 25, 2025
  • Current status: OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

  • Legislative actions to date:

    • 2025-02-25: Referred to Judiciary
    • 2025-02-26: To Attorney-General for Opinion
    • 2025-03-18: Opinion referred to Judiciary (noted twice in the record)

  • Related/cross-filed legislation:

    • Prior-session related bills: S 1330, S 589, S 7682, S 2687, S 1163, S 785, S 1503
    • companion bill: A 6672

What the bill would do

  • Create authority for the governor to appoint a replacement lieutenant-governor when the current lieutenant-governor's office is vacant.
  • Require confirmation of the governor’s appointment by both houses of the legislature (likely the state senate and the assembly, depending on the chamber nomenclature used in the state).

Note: The available summary and public notes do not include the bill’s full text, so specifics such as who is eligible, the nomination process, the duration of an interim appointment, exact timelines for confirmation, or how vacancies are triggered (e.g., due to death, resignation, removal) are not stated here. The detailed provisions would be in the bill’s text.

Who would be affected

  • The office of lieutenant-governor and its duties during any vacancy
  • The governor, who would have the authority to nominate a replacement
  • The legislature, which would have the constitutional role of confirming the appointment
  • Potential nominees who may be considered for confirmation

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill is in the judiciary referral stage, with an Attorney General opinion sought, indicating ongoing constitutional and legal review.
  • If enacted, the process would involve a gubernatorial nomination followed by confirmation by both legislative chambers.
  • The timeline for vacancy replacement would depend on any language the bill adds regarding periods for nomination and confirmation, as well as any transitional provisions.

Context and next steps

  • Given the status and AG opinion step, the bill may undergo committee consideration, potential amendments, and votes in both houses.
  • Stakeholders may review related bills from prior sessions and the companion legislation (A 6672) for alignment or differences.
  • Readers should watch for the bill’s full text and any committee reports for precise definitions (e.g., vacancy triggers, eligibility, interim terms, and procedures).

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with the companion or related bills once the full texts are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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