State Lawmakers Advance Bill That Outlines How to Address Vetoes After a Legislative Session

Emily Thompson. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota lawmakers approved draft legislation that aims to clarify how legislators respond when a governor vetoes bills after a legislative session concludes.

The move comes after confusion involving a line-item veto from Gov. Kelly Armstrong that prompted legislators to consider a potential special session.

The draft bill, approved by the interim Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee, would set the third Wednesday of June as the date for reconvening the Legislature to reconsider a vetoed bill. The decision to reconvene would be made by Legislative Management.

Emily Thompson, director of the legal division of Legislative Council, said lawmakers would not be limited to discussing the vetoes. Legislative Management could still recall the assembly to Bismarck at any time, she said.