BISMARCK, N.D. — A line-item veto by Governor Kelly Armstrong has sparked confusion — and potentially a legal precedent — after it unintentionally removed $35 million from state housing and homelessness programs.
On May 19, Armstrong vetoed what he believed was a $150,000 grant for a homelessness liaison in a Native American-focused organization. But instead, the entire section of Senate Bill 2014 was crossed out in the version sent to lawmakers — effectively canceling a broader $35 million in funding.
North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued an opinion Wednesday backing the governor’s move, calling it a constitutional and accurate use of veto power.
Governor Armstrong says lawmakers should rely on his official veto message, printed in the Legislative Journal, not the copy with the full section crossed out.
Wrigley notes his opinion holds the weight of legal precedent — unless challenged in court.
For now, the $35 million in funding will be restored and go into effect July 1. But the question over which version of a bill counts — the official journal or the physical copy — may be decided in court or during a possible special legislative session.
