The bill SB1278 amends the process for filling legislative vacancies in Arizona, establishing specific timelines for the county board of supervisors (BOS) and precinct committeemen (PCs) to act. Under the new provisions, the county BOS must appoint a replacement within 10 calendar days if the legislature is in session or a special session is pending, and within 21 calendar days if it is not. If the BOS fails to make the appointment within these timeframes, the state party chairperson is required to fill the vacancy from the nominees within three calendar days. Additionally, the bill reduces the notice period for meetings to select nominees from three business days to three calendar days and mandates that the citizens panel must be appointed within seven calendar days instead of business days.

The bill also clarifies the procedures for the citizens panel and the nomination process, ensuring that if the PCs do not nominate candidates, the citizens panel must do so within specified timeframes. It emphasizes that if any nominee withdraws, an alternative must be nominated immediately. Overall, the changes aim to streamline the vacancy filling process and ensure timely appointments, enhancing the efficiency of legislative operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-390
Senate Engrossed Version: 41-1202
House Engrossed Version: 41-1202
Chaptered Version: 41-1202