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Senators say constitution calls for 'immediate' veto response though practice varies; confirmations remain under review
Summary
Lawmakers told reporters that the Alaska Constitution requires the Legislature to act 'immediately' on a gubernatorial veto, but that past practice has varied; senators also said confirmation hearings are ongoing and that acting commissioners serving seven months may be treated as commissioners for purposes of floor consideration.
Becky Borer of the Associated Press asked how the Senate would interpret the constitution's "immediately" requirement if the governor vetoes an elections bill (SB 64) and whether confirmations would wait for a joint session.
Senators replied that the constitution uses the term "immediately" but that in practice the Legislature has sometimes delayed action by days or weeks. "We've asked legislative legal about that ... I think legislatures have pushed it out as far as a couple weeks," said Senator Volokowski, adding his expectation that, if a veto occurred, the body would likely act within a couple of days.
On confirmations, senators said hearings have been conducted for some cabinet appointees while others remain pending. Senator Kiel and others expressed concern about two departments that have had acting commissioners for months; Senate leaders said they received a legal opinion that someone serving as an acting commissioner for seven months and making decisions in the role may be considered a commissioner for confirmation purposes and that the Senate plans to place those names before the chambers.
The transcript records no formal override vote or final confirmation decisions; senators said they will proceed with hearings and floor consideration as appropriate.
