North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong is flexing his veto power — issuing six line-item vetoes on Monday as the 2025 legislative session wrapped up.
Armstrong struck down sections of long budget bills that he says crossed the line into policy-making, not just spending — a move he argues violates the separation of powers.
One of the more notable vetoes targeted the state Ethics Commission budget, where Armstrong removed a section that would have granted lawmakers immunity from prosecution if they disclosed conflicts of interest. He said it sent the wrong message — that public officials are above the law.
Other vetoes include:
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A provision that would have restricted judges from waiving fees in the state’s 24/7 sobriety program.
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A $150,000 grant for a Native American homelessness liaison, which Armstrong called too narrow.
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A mandate for the Bank of North Dakota to study post-oil economies — which he said was premature.
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A rule requiring legislative approval for renaming state parks, which he called an overreach.
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And a $350,000 grant to the State Fair Association that Armstrong said was misfiled.
The governor also blocked a move to relocate the Legislative Council offices to the Capitol’s 15th floor, saying it bypassed the proper process and public input.
In total, lawmakers passed 601 bills this session. Armstrong signed 597, vetoed four in full, and issued six line-item vetoes.
Any effort to override these vetoes would require a special session, which has not yet been announced.
