Legislative Council warns of veto power ambiguity following Attorney General's opinion

During the recent Legislative Management meeting on July 11, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the implications of an attorney general's opinion on the governor's veto powers. The legislative council highlighted that the opinion could set a troubling precedent, allowing the governor and attorney general to redefine vetoes at their discretion, potentially undermining the legislative assembly's authority.

The discussion centered on a specific veto related to Senate Bill 2014, which involved a $10 million appropriation. The attorney general's analysis indicated that the vetoed amount was inaccurately reported as $9.85 million, raising questions about the clarity and consistency of the veto process. This ambiguity could lead to future conflicts over the interpretation of vetoes, as the legislative assembly may struggle to determine the exact content of vetoed items.

Members of the committee expressed concern that this situation not only expands the governor's veto power but also complicates the legislative assembly's ability to exercise its veto override rights. The legislative council's apprehension underscores the need for clearer guidelines to ensure that the veto process remains transparent and consistent.

As the meeting concluded, the implications of these discussions were clear: the legislative assembly must address the uncertainties surrounding veto powers to protect its authority and maintain a balanced governance structure in North Dakota. The committee's next steps will likely involve further examination of the attorney general's opinion and its potential impact on future legislative actions.