There are three branches of government, each playing a pivotal role in the governing of our state.  The recent amendatory veto on HB426 crossed that fine line. 

The title of HB426:

AN ACT REMOVING THE $500,000 LIMIT ON A COUNTY'S ROAD AND BRIDGE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

The entire bill is literally 2 lines long. Stream access as found in SB78 has 6 new sections & amends 2 others. The title alone is 4x as long as HB426. Clearly, the new stream access language does not fit within the scope of 426. The Code Commissioner, the chief legislative lawyer, stated the amendment was outside the scope.  As positive as the veto is, as much as it would rectify the impasse in the house, it is an abuse of the amendatory veto, the separation of powers.

Now, I fully support SB78, the stream access bill.  It should pass and receive better consideration than it has.  It is the job of the legislature to make that policy decision and pass SB78 or amend such language into a similar bill and pass on to the Governor.