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HJR 1015

Oklahoma Constitution; Governor; vacancies; advice and consent; ballot title; filing.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andy Fugate

Amends OK constitution to require governor to appoint replacement subject to state senate approval, with voter confirmation vote on next ballot.

Second Reading referred to Rules
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Bill Summary · HJR 1015

Summary of HJR 1015: Oklahoma Constitution; Governor; vacancies; advice and consent; ballot title; filing

Overview

HJR 1015 is a joint resolution that proposes to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to modify the process for filling vacancies in the office of Governor. The key changes include:

  1. Requiring the Governor to appoint a replacement subject to the advice and consent of the Oklahoma Senate.
  2. Establishing a process for the Governor's appointment to be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
  3. Specifying the timeline and procedures for the appointment, legislative confirmation, and ballot measure.

Key Provisions

Gubernatorial Appointments

  • If the office of Governor becomes vacant, the Governor must appoint a replacement within 30 days.
  • The appointed replacement must then be confirmed by a majority vote of the Oklahoma Senate within 30 days.
  • If the Senate fails to confirm the appointment, the position remains vacant until a new appointment is made.

Ballot Measure for Confirmation

  • The Governor's appointed replacement must be placed on the next general election ballot for voters to approve or reject.
  • The ballot measure would be a "yes/no" vote on whether to confirm the Governor's appointment.
  • If voters reject the appointment, the position would again become vacant.

Procedural Timeline

  • The appointed replacement would serve until the next general election, at which point the ballot measure would be held.
  • If the ballot measure fails, a special election would be called within 90 days to elect a new Governor to serve the remainder of the term.

Impact and Considerations

HJR 1015 would significantly change the process for filling gubernatorial vacancies in Oklahoma. Key impacts and considerations include:

  • Increased legislative involvement and oversight in gubernatorial appointments.
  • Allowing voters to directly approve or reject the Governor's appointed replacement.
  • Potential for extended vacancies if the Senate fails to confirm an appointment or if voters reject the ballot measure.
  • Timeline and logistics of holding a special election if the ballot measure fails.

Overall, this resolution aims to establish a more collaborative process between the executive and legislative branches, as well as provide direct voter approval, for filling future gubernatorial vacancies in Oklahoma.

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

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