MontanaHB 53969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise laws related to veto override polls

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Governor must file vetoes out-of-session

When the Legislature is not in session and the Governor vetoes a bill, the Governor sends the bill and reasons to the Secretary of State. The law takes effect on passage and approval, so these rules apply immediately.

Legislature can reconvene on vetoes

The Legislature may use the state’s special-session rules to reconvene and reconsider a vetoed bill when it is not in session.

Mail-in veto override with daily tallies

If the final vote was under two-thirds, within 5 working days the Secretary of State mails each legislator the bill title and veto message. If the final vote was at least two-thirds, within 5 working days the Secretary of State sends each legislator, by certified mail, the bill and veto message, a ballot, a paid return envelope, instructions, and a return deadline. The return date must be within 30 days after the materials are sent. Legislators may return ballots in person, by prepaid mail, or by fax, and cannot change a vote after the Secretary of State receives the ballot. Within 15 days after sending the materials, the Secretary of State posts a daily tally online showing who voted and how, and finishes the final count within 1 working day after the return date. If two-thirds or more of the members of each house vote to override, the bill becomes law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bill Mercer
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denise Hayman
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 277 • No: 18

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 93 • No: 6

House vote • 3/5/2025