The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Connecticut requires Governor to wait at least seven days before calling special elections following the death of federal and state legislators or probate judges
Last action · June 4, 2026: Signed by the GovernorSponsors: Rob Sampson and 2 others
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What This Bill Does
Effective October 1, 2026, the Governor of Connecticut must wait between 7 and 17 days after a vacancy caused by death before issuing writs of special election for U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, state legislators, and probate judges. Previously, the Governor was required to issue these writs within 10 days of any vacancy without a mandatory waiting period for deaths.
Changes the timeline for scheduling special elections when a federal lawmaker, state legislator, or probate judge passes away, establishing a mandatory minimum seven-day mourning and preparation window before the election process formally begins.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Governor
The Governor must observe a mandatory 7-to-17-day waiting period before issuing writs of special election following an elected official's death.
town clerks
Town clerks and assistant town clerks receive writs of election directed by the Governor to organize local voting.
Probate Court Administrator
Must cite an acting probate judge to serve during a vacancy in a probate district.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers the new waiting period for special elections?
Does the new law allow special elections to be held on weekends?
Who fills a vacancy in a probate court while a special election is pending?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Current status: Signed into law.
Procedural history
18 actions- Jun 4, 2026Governor of ConnecticutEnrolledSigned by the Governor
- May 22, 2026Governor of ConnecticutTransmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
- May 22, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyTransmitted to the Secretary of State
- May 19, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyEnrolledPublic Act 26-86
- May 5, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyIn Concurrence
- May 5, 2026HouseFloorHouse Passed
Show 12 earlier actions
- Apr 16, 2026HouseHouse Calendar Number 464
- Apr 16, 2026HouseFavorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House
- Apr 15, 2026SenateFloorSenate Passed
- Apr 9, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyFile Number 563
- Apr 9, 2026SenateSenate Calendar Number 329
- Apr 9, 2026SenateFavorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
- Apr 9, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyReported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office
- Apr 2, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyReferred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/08/26 5:00 PM
- Mar 23, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyFiled with Legislative Commissioners' Office
- Mar 23, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyJoint Favorable
- Mar 9, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyPublic Hearing 03/13
- Mar 2, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyCommitteeReferred to Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
cga.ct.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance40How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy5Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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