Missouri lawmakers reject Lt. Gov. succession plan

The Missouri House of Representatives has rejected a measure that would have allowed a governor to appoint a lieutenant governor in the event of a vacancy, as long as that appointment had the approval of the Senate.

The proposal was attached to an unrelated bill and approved by the Senate on May 11. The House rejected it Thursday, and the Senate accepted its rejection Friday.

Missouri law isn't clear on how or whether to fill a lieutenant governor's vacancy.

The process of succession is relevant because the House begins a special session Friday to consider impeaching Gov. Eric Greitens. If representatives did vote to impeach the governor, and Greitens was removed from office, Lt. Gov. Mike Parson would vacate his current position to become governor.

Two senators say they will try to amend the proposal onto another bill later Friday.