Understanding the Governor's Role in Signing Legislation
As we approach the critical deadline of April 11th, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the legislative process. After months of hard work, negotiations, and compromises, the bills that were passed by the legislature are now sitting on the governor's desk, awaiting their final approval. But what happens next? How can we ensure that the governor signs the legislation that we've fought so hard to pass?
The Governor's Deadline
In New Mexico, the governor has a specific timeframe for acting on passed legislation. By law, the governor has 20 days after the legislature adjourns to either sign the bill into law or veto it. This year, with the legislative session concluding on March 22nd, the governor must make a decision by April 11th. This deadline is crucial, and it's a time when the pressure mounts as advocates and legislators alike turn their attention to the governor's office.
Once the bills are on the governor's desk, they can take one of the following actions:
Sign the Bill: The governor can sign the bill into law, and it becomes official.
Veto the Bill: The governor can veto the bill, meaning it will not become law unless overridden by the legislature.
Take No Action: If the governor takes no action on a bill by the deadline, the bill is automatically considered a pocket veto.
What is a Pocket Veto?
A pocket veto occurs when the governor does not sign or veto the bill within the allotted timeframe. While it may seem like inaction, a pocket veto is a very real decision that has consequences. It allows the governor to effectively "set aside" the bill without taking a formal stand of approval or disapproval. This often happens when the governor is undecided or if there are concerns about the bill's political implications.
It is important to note that a pocket veto is different from a regular veto, where the governor actively rejects a bill. With a pocket veto, the bill does not become law, but the governor does not publicly announce a veto either. This can leave the bill in limbo, and advocates must carefully watch for signs that the bill might be quietly vetoed this way.
In Part 2, we will dive deeper into the strategies that advocates and legislators use to ensure the governor signs key pieces of legislation into law before the deadline and explore ways to overcome potential vetoes. Stay tuned!
