Bill

HB 1372

83(R) - 2013
Government Efficiency & Reform

Vote Recommendation

Vote Yes; Amend
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Sergio Munoz Jr.

Bill Caption

Relating to filling certain vacancies on the governing body of certain home-rule municipalities.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. Because the bill would not have statewide impact on units of local government of the same type or class, no comment is required by the rules of the House/Senate as to its probable fiscal implication on units of local government.

Bill Analysis

Summary of Legislation: This legislation is the enabling statute for HJR 87 which proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing home-rule municipalities to fill vacancies of 24 months or less by resolution rather than by special election.

Analysis: The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the people to choose whether to allow home-rule municipalities to fill a government vacancy by resolution. We recognize the merit of filling a short term vacancy by appointment rather than expending the time and money to hold a special election. However, 24 months is a lengthy enough vacancy that a special election should still be held. We would support an amendment to change the vacancy threshold for allowing a position to be filled by resolution to 12 months or less.