Article: Governor Mills Veto Day Leaves Maine Legislature Bills Hanging



In a surprising move, Governor Janet Mills has announced that she will not be signing any of the 35 bills that were passed by the Maine Senate on "Veto Day," a one-day session where lawmakers typically only vote to override previous vetoes from the governor. The governor expressed legal concerns regarding the passage of these bills, claiming that the legislature may not have been authorized to pass such a large number of bills in one day.

Governor Mills explained her decision, stating, "The consideration and enactment of dozens of additional spending bills on veto day, without support from 2/3 of each body, appears to be without precedent in the history of the Maine Legislature. Operating in this way leaves me gravely concerned because it is an erosion of important norms that are central to the conduct of public business and the creation of public policy." Despite acknowledging the value of many of these bills, she believes that not signing them is necessary to protect constitutional norms.

The governor's letter to the 131st Legislature acknowledged that bills have been enacted on veto day in the past, but highlighted that it was done with limited work and only with two-thirds majority support from both chambers. Mills argued that signing any of the bills passed on Friday could potentially set a dangerous precedent and lead to legal challenges.

While some lawmakers agreed with the governor's sentiment that new business should have been completed earlier, others pushed back. Democratic leadership in the Senate released a joint statement asserting that the legality of their work should be left for the courts to decide, not the governor. Senate President Troy Jackson emphasized that it is the governor's right to veto legislation, but casting aspersions on the Legislature's actions is not within her purview.

The governor's decision has left bill sponsors disappointed and disheartened. Among the bills left unsigned is one that would have provided closure to families of missing persons by identifying the remains of unidentified bodies in Maine. Another bill aimed to create a rape kit tracking system in the state, addressing the need for improved prosecution and support for rape victims.

With the regular session now over, these bills will die without the governor's signature, and lawmakers will not have the chance to overrule her decision. The speaker of the House expressed deep disappointment that years of hard work invested into these initiatives will not come to fruition.

The controversy surrounding Veto Day has raised important questions about the constitutional limitations and legislative precedents in Maine. As the ramifications of this decision unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact future legislatures and the effectiveness of the state's public policy-making process.