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.)
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.
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.
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.