SUCCESSION TO GOVERNORSHIP; ABSENCE OR

DISABILITY OF GOVERNOR

 

     Section 4.  When the office of governor is vacant, the lieutenant governor shall become governor.  In the event of the absence of the governor from the State, or the governor's inability to exercise and discharge the powers and duties of the governor's office, such powers and duties shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor during such absence or disability.

     When the office of lieutenant governor is vacant, or in the event of the absence of the lieutenant governor from the State, or the lieutenant governor's inability to exercise and discharge the powers and duties of the lieutenant governor's office, such powers and duties shall devolve upon such officers in such order of succession as may be provided by law.

     In the event of the impeachment of the governor or of the lieutenant governor, the governor or the lieutenant governor shall not exercise the powers of the applicable office until acquitted. [Ren and am Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978]

 

Attorney General Opinions

 

  Under section, order of succession must be provided by law and the governor may not, under the governor's emergency powers, provide by executive order for the succession to office.  Att. Gen. Op. 61-87.

  Upon death of governor-elect, lieutenant governor, once qualified, would become governor.  Att. Gen. Op. 75-21.