MontanaSB 34469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise process for governor's veto receipt and delivery to the legislature

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Effective now and applies retroactively

The law takes effect on passage and approval. It applies retroactively to vetoes returned on or after the start of the 69th legislative session.

Mail polling for veto overrides

When a veto happens while not in session, the Secretary of State must act. If the bill did not get two‑thirds on final passage, the Secretary mails each legislator the bill title and veto message within 5 working days. If it did get two‑thirds, the Secretary sends by certified mail within 5 working days the bill, veto message, a ballot, a return envelope, instructions, and a return‑by date within 30 days of mailing. Lawmakers may return ballots in person, by prepaid mail, or by fax, and cannot change a vote after it is received. The Secretary tallies within 1 working day after the return date. If two‑thirds of each house vote to override, the bill becomes law.

New rules for returning vetoes

The law clarifies how a vetoed bill gets back to the Legislature. If a house is adjourned for the day, the governor can deliver the bill and veto message to its presiding officer, clerk, secretary, or any member. It counts as received when the governor tells the house on its next day in session who got it and when, or when the chief clerk or senate secretary gets it with a receipt and a time-stamp. When the Legislature is not in session, the governor returns the vetoed bill and reasons to the Secretary of State. The Legislature may reconvene under the special‑session process to reconsider a veto.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Greg Hertz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 274 • No: 24

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 90 • No: 9

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 92 • No: 7

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/5/2025