Legislative council discusses veto ambiguity and potential Supreme Court action

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Legislative Management, significant concerns were raised regarding the ambiguity surrounding the governor's veto powers. The discussions highlighted a divergence in opinions between the Attorney General and the governor's office, which has left lawmakers questioning the clarity of what constitutes a veto and the implications for future legislative actions.

Senator Sorvag emphasized the need for a definitive resolution, suggesting that without a Supreme Court ruling, the conflicting opinions could resurface, complicating future legislative processes. He pointed out that a special session aimed solely at overriding the veto might only serve as a temporary fix, failing to address the underlying issues of veto authority and procedure.

In response, committee members discussed the possibility of directing the Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee to explore options for clarifying the veto process. This could include establishing a formal review process for vetoes or considering a veto override session shortly after regular sessions, a practice already adopted by many states.

Senator Beckettall echoed these sentiments, advocating for a prospective approach. He suggested that rather than focusing on immediate fixes, the committee should work on developing clear legislative language that outlines the procedures for handling vetoes, particularly in cases of line-item vetoes. He noted that neighboring states, like Montana, have successfully implemented such provisions.

The meeting underscored the importance of establishing a clear and consistent framework for vetoes to ensure that legislative actions are not hindered by uncertainty. As lawmakers consider their next steps, the focus will likely shift towards creating a more transparent process that benefits both the legislature and the residents of North Dakota.