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Senate committee hears resolution to lower override threshold for revenue and appropriations vetoes from three‑quarters to two‑thirds

Alaska Senate Finance Committee · February 11, 2026

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Summary

SJR 2 would ask voters to amend the Alaska Constitution to reduce the override threshold for revenue and appropriation vetoes from three‑quarters (45 votes in joint session) to two‑thirds (40 votes). Sponsor and former attorney general provided historical context; the resolution was set aside for review with zero fiscal notes recorded.

Senate Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Senator Matt Clayman, seeks voter approval to amend Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution to lower the legislative requirement to override a governor’s veto of revenue and appropriation items from three‑quarters (45 votes in joint session) to two‑thirds (40 votes). Clayman said the change would align Alaska with the majority of states and remove a double standard for fiscal legislation.

Former Attorney General Bruce Botelho provided historical perspective, noting the framers’ intent to create a strong executive and describing why the three‑quarters standard was adopted. Botelho and the sponsor discussed comparative state practice and constitutional history.

Public participation at the hearing was minimal; Senator Kiel summarized two fiscal notes recorded as zero from legislative operating budgets and the Division of Elections. Following invited and public testimony, the committee set SJR 2 aside for further review.