HLS 10RS-434 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE BILL NO. 62
BY REPRESENTATIVE ABRAMSON
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Prohibits a person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office
of lieutenant governor when the unexpired term exceeds one year from being a
candidate in the election to fill the remainder of the term
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 18:584, relative to candidates for election to fill a vacancy in the office of2
lieutenant governor; to prohibit a person appointed to the office when the unexpired3
term exceeds one year from being a candidate in the subsequent election to fill the4
remainder of the unexpired term; and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 18:584 is hereby enacted to read as follows: 7
§584. Election to fill vacancy in office of lieutenant governor; candidates8
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary including any provision9
of R.S. 18:582, when a vacancy occurs in the office of lieutenant governor and the10
unexpired term exceeds one year, no person who is appointed to fill the vacancy and11
serves as lieutenant governor pursuant to Article IV, Section 15 of the Constitution12
of Louisiana shall be a candidate in the election to fill the remainder of the unexpired13
term.14
Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not15
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature16
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If17
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become18
effective on the day following such approval.19 HLS 10RS-434 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 62
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Abramson HB No. 62
Abstract: Prohibits a person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor
when the unexpired term exceeds one year from being a candidate in the subsequent
election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
Present constitution (Art. IV, §15) requires, if a vacancy occurs in the office of lieutenant
governor, that the governor nominate a lieutenant governor who takes office upon
confirmation by a majority vote of the elected members of each house of the legislature.
Provides that, if the unexpired term exceeds one year, such person shall serve as lieutenant
governor only until the office is filled by election. Present constitution (Art. IV, §16(B))
requires that such election be held at the next regularly scheduled congressional or statewide
election, except if no such election date is available within a year of the vacancy, the office
must be filled by election at a special election called by the governor.
Proposed law prohibits a person who is appointed and serves as lieutenant governor when
a vacancy occurs in the office and the unexpired term exceeds one year from being a
candidate in the election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. Specifies that proposed
law applies notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary including any provision of
R.S. 18:582.
Present law (R.S. 18:582) provides that the La. Election Code applies to the filling of
vacancies for all offices in the state and its political subdivisions, but excepts those offices
for which specific provision otherwise is made or provided for in the constitution.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 18:584)