(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the timing of gubernatorial action on a bill
Impact
The passage of HB 166 could substantially alter the legislative process in Louisiana by streamlining the timeline and procedures for handling gubernatorial vetoes. If adopted, it would allow the legislature to readdress vetoed bills without the necessity of convening an additional veto session, which could result in more efficient legislative practices. The proposed changes could potentially enhance the legislative authority by reducing delays in passing laws that have previously gained approval from both houses of the legislature.
Summary
House Bill 166 proposes an amendment to Article III, Section 18 of the Louisiana Constitution that clarifies the timing of gubernatorial action on bills and the procedures surrounding veto sessions. Specifically, the bill aims to ensure that a bill that is not signed by the governor within a specified time frame becomes law based on the legislative session in which it was passed. It also outlines the process for calling a veto session where the legislature can reconsider any vetoed bills that did not undergo a prior reconsideration within the original session. This amendment is set for voter approval in a statewide election scheduled for November 18, 2023.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 166 appears to be generally supportive within the legislative community, as evidenced by its unanimous approval (99-0) during voting, which suggests broad bipartisan agreement on the need for clearer rules regarding gubernatorial actions and veto sessions. However, it is important to note that public sentiment will be assessed during the upcoming election, where voters will ultimately decide on the proposed amendment. Some concerns regarding the amendment's implications on the balance of power between the governor and the legislature might still arise in public discussions.
Contention
Although HB 166 has garnered substantial legislative support, it is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that the proposed amendment could diminish the governor's power in some respects, or lead to scenarios where the legislature might be more prone to overturning gubernatorial vetoes without adequate checks. Specific concerns may arise regarding how this amendment interacts with existing political dynamics, and how it could shape future legislative relationships between the governor's office and the state legislature.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the timing and duration of regular sessions of the legislature may be set by joint rule of the legislature (EGF DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides for a special statewide election on April 18, 2026, for submitting proposed constitutional amendments to the state's electors (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the authority of the governor to veto a bill passed by both houses of the Texas Legislature with a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of each house.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.