A bill allowing Oregon’s governor to appoint a U.S. senator for the state in the event of an unexpected vacancy is now a governor’s signature away from becoming law.

In a 31-24 vote, lawmakers in the Oregon House Tuesday passed Senate Bill 952. The legislation would give Gov. Tina Kotek, and any future Oregon governor, the authority to appoint someone from the same political party as the outgoing senator within 30 days of their passing away, stepping down, or otherwise being unable to serve in their position. The appointment would expire whenever the former senator’s term ends or if a successor is elected, whichever comes first.

The legislation would end Oregon’s status as one of four states in which vacancies are left unfilled until special elections, without appointments from the g

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