HB0176

Amends the process for filling vacancies in elected offices by establishing procedures when initial appointment deadlines are missed and creating a presumption of qualification for appointed candidates.

• Adds a fallback mechanism requiring the state central committee to fill state-level vacancies by temporary appointment from three submitted names if the governor or other designated appointing authority fails to fill the vacancy within specified timeframes under paragraphs (i) or (iii). (W.S. 22-18-111(a)(vii)(A), Sec. 1)
• Adds a fallback mechanism requiring the county central committee to fill county-level vacancies by temporary appointment from three submitted names if the county commissioners or other designated appointing authority fails to fill the vacancy within specified timeframes under paragraph (ii). (W.S. 22-18-111(a)(vii)(B), Sec. 1)
• Provides that if the vacant office was held by a non-partisan officeholder and no appointment is made within specified timeframes, a special election shall be held to fill the vacancy. (W.S. 22-18-111(a)(vii)(C), Sec. 1)
• Establishes a non-rebuttable presumption that a person appointed to an elected office is qualified to hold that office if they meet all constitutional and statutory qualifications on the date of their appointment. (W.S. 22-18-111(c)(ii), Sec. 1)
• Repeals W.S. 22-18-111(a)(vi), removing a prior provision regarding vacancy filling procedures. (Sec. 2)

Effective: July 1, 2025

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