Burgum vetoes HB1378….signs 31 bills into law

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed 31 bills into law last night (Wednesday) – but also dusted off his veto pen along the way.  The governor rejected legislation designed to allow lawmakers to jumpstart the legislative process.  House Bill 1378 would have given lawmakers the ability to vote on legislation during their “organizational Session” in December.

In a letter to the House Speaker the governor says the legislation attempts to circumvent the Constitution that requires lawmakers to recess until January.  Burgum says legislation worth considering in December should still be worth considering in January.

The bills signed by the governor range from tracking devices on motor vehicles to filling legislative seats if a candidate dies and enhanced penalties in a drug overdose death.