§1423i Approval of Bills

Summary

Every bill the legislature passes must be put in the official journal and sent to the Governor before it can become law. If the Governor signs it, it becomes law. If he does not sign, he must return it with his objections to the legislature within 10 days (Sundays not counted). If he does not return it in that time, it becomes law unless the legislature’s adjournment stops the return. If adjournment prevents return, the bill only becomes law if the Governor signs it within 30 days after he got it; otherwise it does not become law. When a bill is returned, the legislature must record the Governor’s objections and may reconsider it. If two-thirds of all members vote to pass it on reconsideration, it becomes law. For bills with several money items, the Governor may reject one or more specific items and sign the rest. He must attach a note listing the items he objects to, and those items will not take effect. The Governor must report all laws to the head of the department or agency the President names under section 1421a. The Congress of the United States keeps the power to annul those laws.