Governor’s Veto Power in Washington: How It Works and Why It Matters

Governor’s Veto Power in Washington: How It Works and Why It Matters​

In Washington State, the governor plays an important role in how the laws are enacted. After the state legislature, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, passes a bill, it does not automatically become a law. First, they must go to the governor. The governor has the power to approve or reject the bill. This power to say “no” is called a veto.

Let us take a closer look at the types of vetoes a Washington governor can use and how the legislature can respond if they disagree.

Three Types of Vetoes
1. Total Veto

• This is when the governor rejected the entire bill. If the governor believes that the entire bill is a bad idea or needs major changes, they can use the total veto. The bill will not become a law unless the legislature overrides the veto.

2. Partial Veto (also called Line-Item Veto)

• This is only allowed for budget bills and bills involving spending. The governor can cross out specific lines or parts of the bill, such as a single item or dollar amount, while still approving the remainder. This gives the governor more control over how much money is spent.

3. Section Veto

• In Washington, for non-budget bills, the governor can veto an entire section of a billif that section can stand alone and does not affect the rest. This is a way to fix one part of the law without rejecting everything.

Can the Legislature Override a Veto?
Yes, the Washington State Legislature has the power to override a veto—but it’s not easy.

To override any type of veto (total, partial, or section), both the House and Senate must vote again on the bill. This time, two-thirds of the vote was taken in each chamber. This means that two-thirds of all members must agree to pass the bill again, despite the governor’s objection.
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For example:

• In the House, with 98 members, at least 66 must vote yes.
• In the Senate, with 49 members, at least 33 must vote yes.
If both chambers reach the two-thirds mark, the veto is overridden and the bill becomes law without the governor’s approval.

Why Does the Veto Power Matter?

The veto provides the governor with a way to check the power of the legislature. It can stop laws that may not be fully considered or that might not serve the public well. However, the override process also gives the legislature a chance to stand firm if they strongly believe that law is needed.

This back-and-forth helps balance power between the branches of the state government. It encourages lawmakers and the governor to work together to find the best solutions for the people of Washington.