Senate debates bill to require legislative approval for interstate or international agreements

Senator Jenkins sponsored SB 144, describing it as a measure to preserve the legislature's role when governors enter interstate or international agreements that could legally bind the state. "It puts us as the legislature in the process of interstate and international agreements," Jenkins said, adding the bill defines an "interstate agreement" and prescribes a process for executive officers to obtain gubernatorial approval and, if the governor approves, to submit the agreement to the legislature for concurrent resolution or enactment.

Senator Bramble framed the bill as a separation‑of‑powers safeguard: "It's an issue of separation of power. It's an issue of legislative prerogative," he said, urging passage to ensure legislators are not bypassed on binding matters. Senator Romero spoke in opposition, arguing the governor needs flexibility to act quickly between 45‑day sessions and that withholding legislative authority could hamstring timely interstate cooperation; Romero said he worried about preserving future governors' ability to lead.

Proponents replied that the legislature retains the ability to be convened for special session if a binding agreement requires prompt action; proponents argued the bill is narrowly targeted at agreements that bind the state and does not affect routine interstate purchasing. After debate the Senate voted to read the bill for the third time; the clerk recorded 26 yes votes, 2 nay votes and 1 absent on the procedural motion.