North Dakota’s Legislative Council is still working on the parameters of a lawsuit the Legislature will likely bring against Gov. Doug Burgum for some of his line-item vetoes.
The Legislature objected to Burgum vetoing Legislative intent language without vetoing certain appropriations.
Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R-Dickinson) said lawyers who are members of the Legislature are also taking a look at the issues.
"This is not a witch hunt," Wardner said. "It's simply trying to make sure people understand that these are the rules when it comes to vetoes."
Wardner called it a "friendly lawsuit."
"We're not trying to make someone look bad," Wardner said. "We just don't agree with what the Governor did."
Wardner said he hopes it will be a narrowly constructed lawsuit.
It’s likely the state Supreme Court will get the case as a matter of original jurisdiction.
Wardner said Legislative Management may decide to have attorney members of the Legislature argue that case.
