Indiana § 3-13-5-1 - Caucus selection of successor
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 3-13-5-1 — Caucus selection of successor, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-13-5-1. Caucus selection of successor
Sec. 1. (a) A vacancy in a legislative office shall be filled by a caucus comprised of the precinct committeemen from the senate or house district where the vacancy exists who represent the same political party that elected or selected the person who held the vacated seat.
(b) Not later than thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs (or as provided in subsections (c) and (d)), the caucus shall meet and select a person to fill the vacancy by a majority vote of those casting a vote for a candidate, including vice committeemen eligible to vote as a proxy under section 5 of this chapter.
(c) A state chairman may give notice of a caucus before the time specified under subsection (b) if a vacancy will exist because the official has:
(1) submitted a written resignation under IC 5-8-3.5 that has not yet taken effect;
(2) been elected to another office; or
(3) submitted a notice under IC 5-9-4 to take a leave of absence for active duty in the armed forces or national guard.
(d) If a vacancy in a legislative office exists because of the death of the legislator, the caucus shall meet and select a person to fill the vacancy not later than thirty (30) days after the state chairman receives notice of the death of the legislator from the secretary of state under IC 5-8-6.
(e) Notwithstanding IC 5-8-4, a person may not withdraw the person's resignation after the resignation has been accepted by the person authorized to accept the resignation less than seventy-two (72) hours before the announced starting time of the caucus under this chapter.
(f) The person selected must reside in the district where the vacancy occurred.
[Pre-1986 Recodification Citation: 2-2.1-2-1 part.]
As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.8-1986, SEC.2; P.L.3-1987, SEC.431; P.L.10-1988, SEC.191; P.L.3-1997, SEC.393; P.L.26-2000, SEC.26; P.L.119-2005, SEC.2; P.L.278-2019, SEC.154.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 3-13-5-1
What does Indiana Code § 3-13-5-1 cover?
Section 3-13-5-1 ("Caucus selection of successor") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 3-13-5-1?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 3-13-5-1" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 3-13-5-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.