Please join me in co-sponsoring legislation to bring greater clarity and uniformity to how vacancies in the office of district attorney are filled.

In 2021, the General Assembly passed legislation to provide a uniform succession for district attorneys in 2A through 8 class counties—specifically, that a vacancy in the office of district attorney shall be filled by the first assistant. While this legislation clarified who shall fill the office, it has produced differing interpretations by courts and county officials regarding how long that person shall serve.

To provide greater clarity, my legislation will specify that the first assistant shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. Further, to ensure this practice is followed uniformly in all counties, even those governed by home rule, my legislation will amend provisions of Title 53 to prohibit home rule counties from enacting laws pertaining to the office of district attorney or the filling of vacancies of that office.