The proposed amendment of the Constitution defines the circumstances in which a Governor's inability to perform his functions shall cause his office to become vacant, and it establishes a procedure for making the necessary determinations. The office will become vacant following a declaration of disability by the Governor himself or by the Chief Justice and a majority of the Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, or such other body as the Legislature may provide. The vacancy will terminate four days after the Governor declares that no disability exists, unless (1) within that period the Chief Justice and majority of the Associate Justices, or such either body provided by the Legislature, by two-thirds of each branch present and voting, then determines the issue contrary to the Governor's declaration.

The same procedure will also apply to a Lieutenant Governor who in the case of a vacancy is performing the Governor's duties.

The proposed amendment also requires the election of a Governor for the unexpired balance of the four-year term if a vacancy in the office of Governor as described in the proposed amendment continues for a six month period expiring more than five months prior to a biennial state election other than an election for Governor.