Bill Description: House Bill 324 would require the governor to call a special election to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy rather than appoint a replacement.

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Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

Currently, Section 59-910, Idaho Code, says, "Whenever any vacancy shall occur in the office of United States senator from the state of Idaho by death, resignation or otherwise, the governor shall have the power and is hereby authorized and empowered to fill such vacancy by appointment."

House Bill 324 would amend the law to strike this language and replace it with a requirement that in the case of such a vacancy, the governor shall "appoint a day to hold an election, subject to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, to fill such a vacancy and cause notice of such election to be given as provided in section 34-1406, Idaho Code."

The ideals of government transparency and accountability are better served by providing Idaho voters the opportunity to elect their U.S. senators instead of having the governor appoint someone.

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