House Speaker Greg Stumbo has filed a lawsuit in Franklin Circuit Court requesting clarification on the veto process used by Governor Matt Bevin.
According to the state Constitution, the governor must deliver legislative vetoes to the secretary of state’s office when the legislature is not in session. Stumbo argues that protocol was not followed, rendering Bevin's vetoes invalid.
“I believe it requires a veto, an original veto signed by the governor within the prescribed time. I believe it requires a message, the Constitution says, and I believe it requires a filing either back with the House clerk from whence it came if the General Assembly is in session [or] if not, then it has to be filed within the prescribed time from the date of adjournment... with the secretary of state. If not, it becomes law just as if he had allowed it to become law without his signature,” the Prestonsburg Democrat told reporters Wednesday.
If the courts agree with Stumbo, Bevin’s vetoes dealing with parts of the state’s $68 billion budget would be overturned. The lawsuit specifically calls vetoes of House Bills 10, 129, 150, 296, 303, 304 and 626 into question.
We are waiting for a response from Governor Bevin’s office. His spokesperson has said previously that the vetoes are valid.
Update: The Governor's Office has issued an official response. It reads: "One month to the day since Attorney General Beshear filed his lawsuit, the Governor’s Office has been served with another petty political lawsuit. While we're working to fix the financial foundation of the Commonwealth, they are intent on thwarting progress by filing frivolous lawsuits. The Governor’s vetoes are valid and were filed in accordance with the Constitution. This charade is an unfortunate waste of taxpayer dollars."
