This bill amends the process for filling vacancies in elective city offices in Iowa. It specifies that if a city council opts to fill a vacancy through appointment, eligible electors have the right to file a petition for a special election to fill the vacancy, but only if the remaining balance of the unexpired term is at least one year. The council is required to publish notice of its intention to fill the vacancy by appointment, and if a petition is filed within fourteen days of the notice or appointment, the appointment will be considered temporary until a special election is held.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of language that clarifies the conditions under which a petition for a special election can be filed, specifically emphasizing that the remaining balance of the unexpired term must be at least one year. This amendment aims to streamline the process and ensure that special elections are only called for significant vacancies, thereby potentially reducing the frequency of special elections for shorter terms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 372.13