Committee hears bill to clarify where governor must deliver vetoed bills

The House Legislative Administration Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 344, a measure that would clarify where and when a governor must deliver a vetoed bill and the accompanying veto message.

Senator Greg Hertz, sponsor of SB 344, told the committee the bill is narrowly focused on the delivery process for vetoed legislation. "This is just where does he need to take it, to when they veto the bill," Hertz said, describing a desire to align the written statutes with existing practice and internal rules.

The bill would specify that the governor may deliver a vetoed bill and message either to the chief clerk of the house in which the bill originated or to the secretary of the senate. Under the draft language described by Hertz, delivery would be considered successful if the originating house has adjourned for the day but not for the session, or if either house is in session at the time a chief clerk or secretary physically receives the bill and attached message. The bill also requires that the receipt for delivery include a date and time stamp.

Senator Hurd asked whether the measure relates to late-session vetoes from the prior legislative session. Hertz said it is "somewhat related" but emphasized SB 344 only addresses where and when a vetoed bill is received and documented; separate questions about polling or other procedures would be handled elsewhere.

There were no proponents or opponents who testified in person or online during the committee hearing, and the sponsor closed by asking the committee to advance the bill to a floor carrier.

The committee did not record a formal vote on SB 344 during the hearing.