H 719 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to certain county elections for certain vacancies

This bill updates Massachusetts election laws to ensure that vacancies in key county offices, such as district attorney, sheriff, and clerk of the courts, are filled through special elections rather than leaving the positions empty. It requires the governor to order these elections within 120 days if a vacancy occurs in the final nine months of a term, while also clarifying that deputies or justices may temporarily assume duties until an elected official takes office. The legislation directly affects county officials and voters by establishing a clear timeline and process for filling these critical legal and law enforcement roles.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Aug 22, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Apr 11, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Election Laws
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bill Straus
Bill Straus
DDemocratic
MA
10th Bristol