Understanding the Governor’s Veto Power in Texas

The veto is one of the most significant powers wielded by the Governor of Texas, enabling the rejection of bills passed by the state legislature. Rooted in the Texas Constitution, this authority ensures a crucial check on legislative power while shaping the laws that govern the state.

How the Veto Works?

The Texas Constitution grants the governor the authority to veto any bill presented for approval. The process is straightforward: if the governor disapproves of a bill, it is returned to its house of origin with written objections. If not vetoed within the specified timeframe, the bill becomes law automatically.

  • The governor has 10 days to veto a bill while the legislature is in session.
  • If the legislature adjourns, the governor has 20 days post-adjournment to veto a bill.
  • Unlike the U.S. President, the Texas governor cannot use a “pocket veto.” Bills become law automatically unless actively vetoed.

Overriding a Veto

The Texas Legislature can override a governor’s veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. However, this process is rare, especially as the constitution doesn’t explicitly clarify whether a veto can be overridden in a subsequent special session.

A unique feature of the Texas governor’s veto power is the line item veto, which allows rejection of specific spending items in a budget bill without vetoing the entire bill. This enables the governor to target areas of objection while preserving the rest of the appropriations.

Historical Examples

Governors often use the veto to shape legislation or signal policy priorities. For instance, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed House Bill 2774 in 2017, arguing that the proposed law to penalize faulty tire installation would have unnecessarily expanded criminal penalties. Abbott’s objection reflected a broader legislative trend aimed at reducing criminal penalties in Texas.

The veto is a critical tool for balancing legislative and executive authority in Texas. The governor’s ability to veto legislation remains a cornerstone of the state’s governance system.