Legislative Council reviews veto procedures amid Attorney General's opinion concerns

In a pivotal discussion during the 69th Legislative Interim meeting on July 11, 2025, North Dakota lawmakers emphasized the need for a thorough review of the Attorney General's opinion regarding legislative veto procedures. Senator Meerdal highlighted the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively, advocating for the Legislative Procedure Arrangements Committee (LPA) to explore options that would ensure the legislative assembly can fulfill its constitutional duties effectively.

Senator Meerdal pointed out that the current situation requires careful consideration to avoid "doing half of a job." He proposed that the LPA examine the implications of the Attorney General's opinion and how it affects legislative processes, particularly concerning statutory veto procedures. This includes potential supplemental statutory language for veto returns and post-adjournment veto override sessions, as detailed in the meeting materials.

The discussion also touched on the possibility of addressing these issues in a special session, should one be called due to budgetary concerns or other unforeseen circumstances. Chairman Hogue confirmed that there are no prohibitions against considering this matter during a special session, which could be scheduled as early as January or February 2026.

Speaker Weiss echoed the sentiment for a prospective approach, suggesting that lawmakers should focus on creating a legislative framework that would render the Attorney General's opinion irrelevant moving forward. This proactive stance aims to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, ensuring a smoother legislative process.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus among lawmakers that thoughtful and deliberate action is necessary to address the complexities of legislative veto procedures, with the LPA set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of North Dakota's legislative framework. The anticipated outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact how the assembly operates in the coming years, reinforcing the importance of legislative clarity and efficiency.