Amend the bill by striking out all of section 2 and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 2. 21-A MRSA §391-A is enacted to read:
When there is a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, the Governor shall issue a proclamation declaring the vacancy and ordering a special primary election followed by a special election to fill the vacancy as provided in section 366. If the United States Congress is in session, the elections must be held as soon as reasonably possible. If the United States Congress is not in session, the elections must be held before the next regular or called session.’
summary
This amendment, which is the majority report of the committee, removes the bill's proposed time limit of 60 days in which a primary and special election must be held to fill a vacancy in the office of United States Senator. It amends the language to match the language in statute to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative to Congress. The primary and special elections must be held as soon as reasonably possible if Congress is in session and before the next regular or called session if Congress is not in session.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)