Senate Moves Vetoed Bill to Third Reading in Push to Restore Oversight of Long Leases

Senators debated a motion to act on vetoed bill 119‑38 COR, which would restore legislative oversight of "exceptional term" contracts and require review of leases exceeding the statutory threshold. The sponsor said Public Law 31‑38‑1 (as cited in the floor debate) created a loophole allowing agencies to enter into substantially long leases without legislative review and public hearings. The sponsor read or referenced supportive testimony from former governors, the attorney general and the public auditor and urged colleagues to vote to override the veto.

Floor remarks in support argued the prior law effectively removed checks and balances on long‑term land commitments: speakers warned the change could enable extended, agency‑authorised leases of 30, 50 or even 100 years without legislative scrutiny. One senator said that lack of oversight is "an invitation for abuse" and framed the override as a pro‑transparency, anti‑corruption measure. Another speaker noted the governor's veto message claimed the bill would create an anti‑business environment, and said they disagreed with that characterization.

Following sustained debate and multiple senators urging colleagues to hold their earlier yes votes for the override, the presiding officer recorded no objections to placing the vetoed bill into the voting file for an override; the motion carried and the bill was set for third reading and a roll‑call override attempt. The transcript records detailed floor argumentation but does not record the outcome of an override vote on the final bill.