Wisconsin Senate Bill SB249

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25

Caption

Vacancies in appointive state offices.

Impact

The bill has the potential to reshape the process for filling appointive state offices, ensuring that there are clear guidelines for when a vacancy exists. By stipulating that the expiration of a term creates a vacancy, it would enable faster and more straightforward successor appointments. This change aims to improve the continuity of governance and the function of various state departments and agencies, which rely on the timely filling of important positions to maintain their operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 249 aims to clarify the definition and implications of vacancies in appointive state offices in Wisconsin. Specifically, it addresses the situation when a fixed-term appointive officeholder's term expires. Under current law, the expiration of an incumbent's term does not create a vacancy if the office is filled for a fixed term. This bill proposes that, in such cases, a vacancy is indeed considered to be created once the term expires, thus allowing for a successor to be appointed without ambiguity regarding the status of the officeholder.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SB249 regarding its implications for accountability and governance. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to more frequent appointments and changes in leadership, which could disrupt ongoing initiatives within state agencies. Proponents, however, would contend that ensuring vacancies are recognized promptly provides clarity and supports effective governance without unnecessary delays in appointing qualified individuals to critical roles.