Lawmakers have passed a bill requiring a special election to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy. House Bill 1181 requires the governor to call a special election within 95 days of a Senate seat vacancy, unless the vacancy occurs within 95 days of the end of the Senate term, in which case the seat will be filled at the next regular election.

Democrats believe the bill is an attempt to discourage U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp from running for governor in 2016 since she would not be able to appoint her replacement.

The bill now goes to Gov. Jack Dalrymple for his signature.