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Committee approves amendment to require substantive veto messages from the governor
Summary
House Joint Resolution 2, which would require the governor to provide a substantive message whenever exercising a veto (including pocket vetoes), received a do‑pass recommendation from the House Judiciary Committee after amendment.
The House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 14 voted to give House Joint Resolution 2 a do‑pass recommendation after adopting an amendment that clarifies ballot language and adds the word “substantive” to the required veto message.
Representative McQueen presented the constitutional amendment saying it would require a governor who vetoes a bill to provide a substantive explanation. The amendment revised the ballot title and added language to ensure the veto message contain substantive reasons for the veto; McQueen said the change does not limit the governor’s authority to veto but requires transparency.
Hannah Burling of the League of Women Voters testified in support, saying, “The league stands in strong support of HJR2.” Members discussed separation‑of‑powers concerns and the risk of increased litigation over what counts as “substantive.” McQueen and others noted an earlier state Supreme Court decision that treated failure to provide a required message as a basis for a legislative challenge; supporters said requiring a message increases accountability without removing veto power.
After discussion the committee adopted the amendment and recommended HJR2 for a do‑pass. The resolution will advance to the House floor as amended.
