North Dakota is one of 36 states in which, when there is a U.S. Senate vacancy, the governor appoints someone who serves until the next regularly-scheduled congressional election.  Last month the North Dakota House passed a bill requiring a special election for U.S. Senate when the seat becomes vacant, unless a regular election is quite close in time.

On March 20, the North Dakota Senate Government & Veterans Affairs Committee heard the bill.  The committee hasn’t acted yet.  Here is a story about the hearing.