But I’m thinking that some of the state party rules are in direct conflict with the amended Republican National Party rules. I recall something to the effect that if a candidate drops, suspends, dies, etc. that they are not still bound to the candidate. And that no candidate can assign his delegates to another candidate.
I guess that’s why they have lawyers to settle conflicts and disputes.
If there is a conflict between the state rules and the RNC rules, the state rules generally prevail in this case, because in many cases the state rules are tied to state laws as well. For example, in CA delegates are bound for 2 ballots by rule but also by state law.
As far as the RNC rules, there is a rule that says that if a delegate voted for any other candidate than the one to whom they are bound (for as many ballots as they are bound), then then are removed from being a delegate. That does not apply if the candidate to whom they are bound has withdrawn, but any state restrictions still apply. So if the state says you are still bound to Rubio on the first ballot even if he has suspended his campaign, for example, and you try to vote for Trump, the RNC will not kick you out - they just won't count your vote on that ballot because it violates the state rule.