PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Legislators are convening in South Dakota’s Capitol Monday to take up the only veto by Gov. Kristi Noem following a legislative session that included more than 200 bills.
The governor used a “style and form” veto to block a House bill barring transgender women and girls from competing in sports programs designated for females. Such vetoes are usually used to clean up technical language in a bill, not change its scope or power.
Besides excluding collegiate athletics, Noem is proposing two sections be struck from the bill entirely.
Noem believes if the bill becomes law it would result in punitive action from some organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the American Civil Liberties Union.
That has led state lawmakers who passed it to call Noem’s move unconstitutional.
Both the Senate and the House will formally consider Noem’s recommended changes, and if a majority in each chamber concur, the day’s business will be done.
But Republican leaders are telling their caucus to reject the governor’s changes, which would send the bill back to her and she would have another chance to sign in. Two-thirds majority of lawmakers would be needed to override a veto if Noem doesn’t sign it.
Noem could also call a special session where a new bill with her changes could be considered.
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