Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of some controversial bills has some Republican lawmakers to calling for a special veto override session.
So far, the governor has vetoed two high-interest bills: one banning transgender athletes from participating in female athletics and another allowing gun owners to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Both passed with veto-proof majorities.
Senator Sharon Hewitt says there are a lot of conversations happening in the senate right now especially as the Governor still has a number of bills to sign or veto. She supported both bills and says she’s likely to do so again in an override veto session, although she added there was no guarantee that others would vote the same way in an override session.
The speaker of the house has released a statement supporting a veto session.
A majority of lawmakers in both chambers of the Legislature would need to agree to an override session for one to be held. Reportedly there is already enough support in the House, but the outlook is less certain in the Senate.
After the governor issues a decision on all the bills before him, Legislators would have to cast their ballots on a special override session. The governor must notify them by July 3rd. Legislators would have to cast their ballots by July 15.
The veto override session would be scheduled for July 20th.
