Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them by July 15th an override session will begin July 20th.
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Should lawmakers elect to return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session it will be the first time they have done so since the current constitution was adopted in the 70s. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat said the process for a veto session is baked into that constitution in that a session is automatically scheduled if even one veto is issued.
“Everybody is under the assumption that they are “calling” a veto session, but they really are not,” said Pinsonat. “The (Louisiana) Constitution says there will be a veto session unless a majority in the House and Senate send ballots back saying they do not want a veto session.”
Some Republican lawmakers recommended those in favor of a veto override session shred their ballots so they are not mistakenly sent in. Ultimately the public will know which lawmakers send their ballots back in to avoid a return to the Capitol, and which supported the session by not returning a ballot.
“The veto session and the people voting are covered under the rules of the constitution and law,” said Pinsonat.
Pinsonat noted that it appears highly likely that unlike past years a majority of lawmakers will not send in ballots requesting the session will be canceled, mostly due to the Governor’s vetoes of legislation involving transgender athletes and concealed carry permits.
Should the session be held lawmakers would have four days to address the 28 different vetoes issued by Governor Edwards this year.