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.)
If enacted, this amendment would specifically replace existing provisions in Article IX, Section 14 of the Rhode Island Constitution, thus adapting the state's approach to gubernatorial veto powers. The introduction of a line item veto could lead to significant changes in how financial appropriations are legislated and enforced, giving the governor greater flexibility in deciding which components of the state budget to support fully while retaining the ability to strike out expenditures that may be seen as non-essential or excessive.
Bill S2092 proposes an amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution that would grant the governor the authority to exercise a line item veto on the state budget and other bills pertaining to appropriations of money. The main intent behind this legislation is to enhance the governor's fiscal control, allowing them to eliminate specific funding provisions while approving the remainder of the budget or financial legislation. This aim is to streamline budget management and provide a more nuanced tool for the governor to manage state expenditures effectively.
There are notable points of contention surrounding the introduction of the line item veto. Opponents might argue that this change could concentrate too much power in the hands of the governor, potentially undermining the legislative body's role in budget appropriations. Proponents, however, advocate for the line item veto as a necessary tool to address wasteful spending and improve fiscal responsibility. The debate over this amendment reflects broader discussions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government in Rhode Island.