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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
lieutenant governor; joint ticket
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, constitutionally establishes the position of Lieutenant Governor, beginning with the election for a term starting in 2027.
Background
The Constitution of Arizona states that the Executive Department consists of the Governor, Secretary of State (SOS), State Treasurer, Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction, each of whom shall hold office for four years (Ariz. Const. art. 5, § 1). In the event of the death of the Governor, or the Governor's resignation, removal from office or permanent disability to discharge the duties of the office of Governor, the SOS, if holding by election, succeeds to the office of Governor until a successor is elected and qualifies. If the SOS holds office other than by election, or if the SOS fails to qualify as Governor, the Attorney General, the State Treasurer or the Superintendent of Public Instruction, if holding by election, shall, in the order named, succeed to the office of Governor (Ariz. Const. art. 5, § 6).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Establishes the Lieutenant Governor as a member of the Executive Department beginning with the election for a term starting in 2027.
2. Requires a candidate for Lieutenant Governor to run as the joint candidate of a candidate for Governor on the general election ballot.
3. Requires, at least 60 days before the date of the general election, a candidate for Governor to submit to the SOS the name of the person who will be the joint candidate for Lieutenant Governor with that gubernatorial candidate.
4. Requires the Lieutenant Governor, rather than the SOS, to succeed to the office of Governor in the event of a vacancy in the office of Governor.
5. Designates the SOS to succeed to the office of Governor if a vacancy in the office of Governor occurs with or during a vacancy in the office of the Lieutenant Governor.
6. Requires the Governor to appoint a person to serve as Lieutenant Governor in the event of the death or resignation of the Lieutenant Governor, subject to approval by a majority vote of the members of each house of the Legislature.
7. Makes technical and conforming changes.
8. Requires the SOS to submit this proposition to the voters at the next general election.
9. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 12, 2019
JA/RC/kja