Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed the five bills (HB 19, 29, 122, 189, 203) passed by the Alaska Legislature after the constitutionally mandated deadline to adjourn the session at midnight, May 16, 2024.
“I understand the Legislature’s desire to keep working into the early morning hours of May 16 so its members could pass a few more bills before the conclusion of the 33rd session,” the governor said in a statement. “However, Article II, Section 8 of the Alaska Constitution is unambiguous. All five bills passed after midnight of the 121st day, and the session was not extended by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the membership of each body. After consulting the Attorney General Treg Taylor, I determined the only course of action was to adhere to the Constitution and veto the bills. The sponsors can reintroduce the bills when the 34th Session of the Alaska Legislature convenes five months from now.”
The bill related to such things as derelict vessels, insurance issues, railroad bonds for the Seward dock repair/replacement, alcoholic beverage sales, and wage payment.
Governor Dunleavy’s veto transmittal letters are posted here.
Wow, a politician that actually followed the law?
I imagine this business of being in session on Day 122 would never have become an issue if the legislature had followed state law and adjourned “not later than” the 90th day of session.
Perhaps legislators following that particular law isn’t such a bad idea after all.
I am so proud to be a registered republican team integrity, Nancy Dahlstrom deserves our votes she advised me when I was lost & in a kind way. BIG MIKEY MIKE PRESIDENT TRUMP LIKES YOU THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEGRITY TO WE THE PEOPLE SIR.
I don’t think a motion to adjourn is required when the Constitution of the State of Alaska terminates the session on the date and at the time certain. It simply ends. The governor’s vetoes are appropriate even though the legitimacy of the bills passed after midnight could be challenged. If the legislative session ended at midnight it had no power to take any action after that time.
Veto 5 bills he did, but he also signed 3 renewable energy bills of which renewable energy is a conservative value.
Great job, Mike. Bills passed at the last second that get little scrutiny by the administration or by the citizens deserve to be canned. More of this, please. The legislature had 90 days. They spent their time fighting and bickering and generally getting away with what they wouldn’t normally get away with if they were back home.