Lawmakers discuss possible changes to Idaho’s veto rules

Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke says better clarification surrounding when and how legislation is vetoed is needed to avoid the high-profile lawsuit that shut down lucrative betting machines across the state.

The Idaho Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s attempt to veto legislation banning historical horse race betting machines was invalid because he didn’t complete the veto in time. That meant the legislation could go into effect, forcing horse racing parks to unplug more than 200 of the instant horse racing terminals.

Bedke, a lawmaker from Oakley, presented a draft bill to legislative leaders on Friday that would have clarified when and how a bill is returned. However, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis of Idaho Falls objected the proposal. He says that the governor should not have control over how the Idaho Legislature conducts its business.