Bill Summary

HB 597 Special Elections (2026 Session)
by Gottlieb Co Sponsors: Campbell
Special Elections: Revises timeframe during which vacancy must be filled by candidates qualifying within timeframes provided by general law; requires Governor to call special primary election & special election under certain circumstance; requires Governor to fix dates of special election after vacancy occurs; requires Governor to consult with Secretary of State & supervisor of elections before setting special election dates; authorizes qualified electors to file petition in circuit court seeking judicial determination of election date under specified conditions; provides that court has authority to fix & declare dates for special election; removes authority of Governor, President of Senate, & Speaker of House of Representatives to waive specified timeframes if all parties concur; requires Governor to fix dates to coincide with already scheduled election; requires that special elections to fill certain vacancies be held no later than election for which resigning officer seeks to qualify; provides that certain persons are deemed elected; requires Governor to consult with certain supervisors of election, in addition to Secretary of State, before declaring date of special election; requires that such order be issued within specified timeframe after occurrence of vacancy. Effective Date: July 1, 2026
12/02/25
HOUSE 
Filed
12/12/25
HOUSE 
Referred to Government Operations Subcommittee; Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee; State Affairs Committee
12/12/25
HOUSE 
Now in Government Operations Subcommittee
0597
Filed on 12/02/25
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No amendments to this bill text filed.
100.111
100.141
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