Bill > S0308

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the governor's veto power, specifically introducing a line item veto for budget and appropriations bills. Under the proposed amendment, the governor would gain three key powers: (1) approve a bill entirely, (2) reduce specific monetary appropriations while keeping the rest of the bill intact, and (3) disapprove specific items or parts of items in a bill without affecting the entire legislation. The amendment includes important restrictions, such as prohibiting the governor from creating new words by rejecting individual letters or creating new sentences by combining parts of different sentences. The proposed amendment would be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election, with the secretary of state responsible for publishing the proposition in state newspapers and ensuring it is included in voter meeting notices. If approved by voters, this amendment would replace the existing Section 14 of Article IX in the state constitution, giving the governor more nuanced control over budget and appropriations legislation while maintaining legislative oversight through potential veto overrides.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/