Kentucky Senate Overrides Governor’s Line-Item Veto of Judicial Branch Budget

The Kentucky Senate on April 14 voted 27–6 to override Governor Andy Beshear’s line‑item vetoes to House Bill 504, the bill making appropriations for the operations of the judicial branch.

Senator from Taylor moved for final passage of House Bill 504 notwithstanding the governor’s line‑item vetoes. The clerk then read portions of the governor’s veto message, which directed deletions and edits to language on civil filing fees and multiple sections on page 14 of the bill. The message was issued in the governor’s name: “I, Andy Beshear, governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, pursuant to the authority granted under sections 88 of the Kentucky Constitution, do hereby veto the following part,” the message read as read into the record.

The Senator from Jefferson 33 summarized the governor’s objection on the floor, saying the veto message warned House Bill 504 would “create substantial fiscal uncertainty for the judicial branch” and citing the branch’s published projections of a general‑fund deficit of about $12,600,000 in the next fiscal year and $17,000,000 the following year.

Supporters of the override argued the appropriation package as passed is necessary to deliver funding and carry out court operations; opponents warned the changes could jeopardize established funding streams that support core court personnel and operations. After the clerk called the roll, the tally was announced: 27 yays and six nays, and the Senate declared final passage of House Bill 504, veto of the governor notwithstanding.

The enrollment committee later reported House Bill 504 ready for the president’s signature and delivery to the Secretary of State.