Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7182

Introduced
1/26/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line-item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

Impact

Should H7182 be passed and approved via a statewide vote, it would considerably alter the existing legislative process in Rhode Island. Currently, the governor's veto power allows them to reject entire bills but does not extend to line-item vetoes. Enacting this amendment would enable governors to better align appropriations with fiscal policies and their administration's priorities, fostering initiatives that reflect pressing community needs while managing state expenditures more responsively.

Summary

House Bill 7182 proposes an amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution to empower the governor with a line-item veto concerning budgetary bills and other appropriations. This constitutional amendment seeks to streamline the state’s budget process by allowing the governor to individually reject specific portions of appropriations without vetoing the entire budget. Proponents argue that this measure would provide greater accountability and flexibility in budget management, facilitating more efficient government operations.

Conclusion

The outcome of H7182 hinges not only on legislative support but will also be subject to voter approval in the upcoming statewide election. As such, the bill represents a significant shift in constitutional law regarding state fiscal management and the executive legislative balance in Rhode Island, with potential repercussions that may affect future governance and budgetary transparency.

Contention

The introduction of the line-item veto position has raised debate among legislators and the public regarding its implications on governance. Supporters emphasize improved fiscal discipline and oversight, while critics express concern that it may reduce the legislative assembly's authority and undermine the collaborative nature of budgeting. They argue that discretion in vetoing specific items could lead to political manipulation, whereby the governor may selectively target appropriations that benefit certain constituencies over others, potentially marginalizing specific groups or needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7241

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line-item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI S2225

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line-item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI S2445

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI S0308

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI S2092

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI S0341

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI H5734

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

RI H5518

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Line Item Veto

RI H6660

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (same As 21h-5861 -- This Joint Resolution Would Provide For The Publishing And Submission To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State For A Line Item Veto.)

RI SJR8

Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the governor's line-item veto authority.

Similar Bills

CA SCA1

Elections: recall of state officers.

CA AB227

Governor: appointments.

NH CACR1

Relating to the governor. Providing that there be a lieutenant governor who shall assume the duties of the governor if the governor is incapacitated.

NH CACR1

Relating to the governor. Providing that there be a lieutenant governor who shall assume the duties of the governor if the governor is incapacitated.

HI HB1420

Proposing To Amend Sections Of Article V Of The Hawaii State Constitution.

CA SB181

Administrative Procedure Act: repeal of regulations.

CA SCA6

Elections: recall of state officers.

CT HB07223

An Act Concerning The Order Of Gubernatorial Succession Under Certain Permanent And Temporary Circumstances.