House Bill No. 7223 seeks to formalize and expand the gubernatorial succession process in Connecticut in the event of a vacancy due to the death, resignation, refusal to serve, or removal of the Governor. The bill establishes a clear statutory line of succession that follows the constitutional order, beginning with the Lieutenant Governor and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. If these positions are also vacant, the succession would continue to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Attorney General, State Treasurer, State Comptroller, Secretary of the State, House Majority Leader, and finally, the Senate Majority Leader. This structured approach ensures that there is a defined process for succession when multiple key offices are unoccupied.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that any officer who assumes the role of Governor under these circumstances will serve until a new Governor is elected at the next regular election. It also applies the same line of succession in cases of impeachment or the Governor's absence, allowing the next officer in line to temporarily fulfill the Governor's duties. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is reported to have no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities. While the text does not specify any insertions or deletions from current law, it reinforces existing procedures and responsibilities related to gubernatorial succession. The Government Administration and Elections Committee has unanimously approved the bill with a vote of 19-0 on March 26, 2025.