Justices say Gov. Jay Inslee overstepped veto authority

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Last edited Thu Nov 11, 2021, 03:38 PM - Edit history (1)

SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee overstepped his veto authority when he cut a sentence that appeared seven times in the 2019 transportation budget, the Washington Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

The sentence in question would have prevented the Department of Transportation from considering vehicle fuel type when it decided how to hand out grants for transit services. Lawmakers said the sentence would ensure transit agencies unable to make an immediate transition to zero-emission vehicles were not disqualified from getting $200 million in grants offered through the state.

The Legislature sued over the veto, and in a 7-2 decision Wednesday, the court said that while the governor has the authority to veto whole bills, sections of bills or whole appropriation items, he cannot excise parts of an appropriation item unless the Legislature has structured the measure in a way designed to circumvent a veto.

“This ruling maintains the delicate balance of power between the legislative and executive branches,” Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, D-Spokane, said in an emailed statement. “Checks and balances are essential to a healthy democracy and today’s ruling helps further define the governor’s constitutional limits.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/justices-say-gov-jay-inslee-overstepped-veto-authority/ar-AAQyiXC

On edit a little more detail:

In Washington, governors can veto entire bills. They also can cross out entire sections of legislation. But they are not authorized to veto less than an entire section.

Inslee cut the line, which deals with grant funding for transit agencies and appears seven times in the document, saying it effectively amended existing law. He contended the state constitution requires such a revision be done with a separate bill.

Lawmakers contended it did not change any existing laws and if the governor had wanted it out, he needed to remove each subsection in which the disputed line appeared.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/governors-12-word-veto-went-too-far-supreme-court-rules/

[tirebiter]

1. Does Washington have line item veto?

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

2. Yes it does but the court seems to indicate he used it improperly.

[MichMan]

3. So now what happens ?

This was in reference to the 2019 budget which has already been superceded. The court ruled he couldn't veto it, so does that mean the funding has to be given retroactively?