Governor Sends 65 Vetoes to Legislature for Consideration

July 16, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 16
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – On Thursday morning, as the 127th Legislature reconvened from its adjournment, Governor Paul R. LePage delivered 65 veto messages to the House and Senate for consideration. A link to all these veto messages is here. The Governor has allowed six bills to go into law without signature.

Since the adjournment of the Legislature on June 30 per a joint order, the bills have been in the possession of the Office of the Governor. Today the Legislature is back for the first time since its adjournment, making it the first opportunity for Governor LePage to return bills to legislators.

The State of Maine Constitution mandates the governor has 10 days to act on bills if lawmakers are in session. However, if the Legislature has adjourned, the governor is not required to take action until the Legislature reconvenes for three full and consecutive days.

In addition to the 65 veto messages, Governor LePage wrote to leadership requesting action on the bills. If they fail to act, he also asked for justification of their inaction.

Governor LePage is prepared to send a letter requesting a solemn occasion to the Law Court if the Legislature neglects to take up the vetoes delivered Thursday morning.