Idaho Supreme Court to hear veto challenge arguments

Proponents of a lawsuit challenging Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s veto of a contentious grocery tax repeal bill will soon present arguments in front of the Idaho Supreme Court.

The state’s highest court scheduled oral arguments for the case Thursday.

State GOP Reps. Ron Nate and Bryan Zollinger, both from eastern Idaho, spearheaded a lawsuit in April arguing that the Idaho Constitution says a governor has 10-days to veto a bill immediately after the Legislature adjourns.

However, Idaho’s top lawmakers disagree, saying that the Idaho Supreme Court has already ruled that the deadline kicks in when the governor receives the bill.

The lawsuit was filed after Otter vetoed legislation that would have repealed the state’s 6 percent sales tax on groceries. Otter vetoed the legislation 11 days after the Legislature adjourned.