The bill amends the process for filling vacancies in elected offices in Wyoming, establishing new procedures and clarifying existing ones. It introduces a new paragraph in W.S. 18-3-524, which outlines that if a vacancy is not filled by the county commissioners within the specified time frame, the county central committee will appoint a temporary successor from a list of three candidates. Additionally, if the vacated office was not held by a political party representative, a special election will be mandated. The bill also amends W.S. 22-18-111 to include similar provisions for other elective offices, ensuring that if vacancies are not filled in a timely manner, the state or county central committee will step in to make temporary appointments.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a non-rebuttable presumption that individuals who meet the qualifications to hold office, as defined by the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions and laws, are deemed qualified for the position. It repeals conflicting provisions in W.S. 18-3-524(b) and 22-18-111(a)(vi) to streamline the process. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-18-111
Engrossed: 18-3-524, 22-18-111