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Bill

S 10

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution to define the succession plan for a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Mark

Massachusetts constitutional amendment establishing procedures to fill Lieutenant Governor vacancies and clarify succession to the office.

Hearing scheduled for 04/08/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:30 PM in A-2
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 10

Legislative bill overview

S 10 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a clear succession procedure for filling vacancies in Massachusetts' Lieutenant Governor office. Currently, Massachusetts has no defined constitutional mechanism for this scenario, leaving a potential leadership gap. The bill aims to clarify who assumes the role and under what conditions if the Lieutenant Governor position becomes vacant.

Why is this important

Lieutenant Governor vacancies are rare but consequential—they affect presidential succession lines and state executive leadership continuity. Without clear constitutional language, any vacancy could trigger legal disputes or uncertainty about legitimate authority. This amendment would provide institutional stability and prevent constitutional crises during transitions.

Potential points of contention

  • Selection method: Whether the Governor should appoint a replacement, the legislature should elect one, or special elections should occur—each approach carries different democratic implications
  • Timing and triggers: Disagreement over how quickly succession must occur and whether it applies to all types of vacancies (death, resignation, removal)
  • Constitutional amendment difficulty: The high bar for amending state constitutions means this bill requires supermajority legislative support and voter approval, making passage uncertain even if the concept has broad support

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

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