Constitution Section 180 — Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker

Part VI — THE STATES — Officers of the State Legislature

Constitutional

Summary

When the Speaker’s position is empty, the Deputy Speaker handles the Speaker’s duties. If the Deputy Speaker’s position is also empty, the Governor appoints another Assembly member to do the job. If the Speaker is absent from a meeting, the Deputy Speaker acts as Speaker. If the Deputy Speaker is also absent, the Assembly’s rules decide who acts as Speaker, or if no such person is present, the Assembly itself chooses someone.

Official Text

(1) While the office of Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the Assembly as the Governor may appoint for the purpose.

(2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the Assembly the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the Assembly, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the Assembly, shall act as Speaker.