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Wardner: Veto session doubtful

ND Legislature

It appears a special Legislative session to override Governor Burgum’s vetoes is not likely.

The Governor vetoed three bills – as well as parts of others.

When the Legislature adjourned, it left three days for a potential special session.

Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner R-Dickinson) has been talking to his Senate caucus members – and to the Senate Democrats – and he said there isn’t much of an appetite to come back. Wardner said there’s more interest among House members to come back for overrides.

"But they are also realistic," Wardner said. "There's no use to come back if the Senate isn't going to override, too."

Overriding a veto takes a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

"If they came back and overrode all of them, and the Senate came back and sustained them all, we'd be wasting a day," Wardner said.

Wardner said with some uncertainties about health care and Medicaid expansion, and some other issues, there’s a feeling that the Legislature will need those three days. He said if they do need to return, he would hope to have a plan of action – for lawmakers to finish their work efficiently.

The Legislative Management committee meets May 31st – and it will be up to that committee whether or not lawmakers will return to Bismarck for a one-day veto override session.

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