Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7241

Introduced
1/28/22  

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

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to replace Article IX, Section 14, delineating the process through which the governor can exercise veto power over budgetary legislation. By allowing the governor to exercise discretion over specific line items, this bill could lead to more targeted fiscal policies. The proponents argue that it will enhance the executive's ability to manage state finances efficiently and prevent wasteful spending within the budget, ultimately leading to better financial oversight.

Summary

House Bill H7241 is a joint resolution aimed at amending the Constitution of the state to introduce a line-item veto for the governor. This amendment would grant the governor the power to individually approve or disapprove specific items or parts of items within appropriations bills, thereby enhancing the executive's authority over the state's budgetary processes. Introduced by Representatives Place, Roberts, Fenton-Fung, and Nardone, the bill signifies a crucial shift towards centralizing fiscal control with the governor, emphasizing accountability and clear decision-making in financial governance.

Contention

However, the bill has generated discussions regarding its implications on checks and balances within the government. Critics may contend that empowering the governor with a line-item veto could undermine the legislative body's authority and diminish collaborative governance. There are concerns that it might lead to an overreach of executive power, especially if the line-item veto is used selectively to favor or punish certain legislative initiatives. The resolution of this debate will likely unfold as the proposition awaits voter approval in a future statewide election, where the electorate will determine its fate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7182

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.