House Republican Leader's Statement on Senate Vacancy Bill

House Minority Leader Brad Jones today released the following statement on the House’s vote to remove emergency language from the Senate Vacancy bill:

The House’s decision to remove the Emergency Preamble from the Senate Vacancy legislation makes it clear no emergency exists. This act demonstrates the intent of the House to ensure this piece of legislation shall not take effect immediately but rather become effective in 90 days like all general legislation. It is my hope the Governor will respect the vote of the House and not attempt to thwart its decision through a contorted interpretation of the Constitution.

The situation before us is so unique that any action by the Governor to subvert the House’s decision would be inappropriate and give rise to a serious constitutional question which will put yet another cloud over Beacon Hill.