State lawmakers return to the Missouri Capitol on Monday for a special session designed to pass two pieces of legislation vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson.
And Wednesday they’re scheduled to hold their annual veto session, which may be relatively short and quiet.
Parson called the special session to reach an agreement on the only two bills he vetoed this year – HB 2562 would have expanded drug treatment courts, and SB 894 would have promoted science, technology, engineering and math curriculum in K-12 schools.
He vetoed the so-called STEM bill because he said it appeared to favor one specific vendor, which he did not identify. He vetoed the treatment courts bill over concerns it violated the state Constitution’s single-subject rule. Lawmakers amended that bill to include regulations regarding abandoned property and the retirement of judges.
Lawmakers are not expected to override the vetoes on Wednesday, but likely will instead use the special session to pass alternate versions of the bills for Parson to sign.
“As governor, it is my responsibility to give students every opportunity to be fully equipped with the skills needed to enter Missouri’s workforce,” Parson said in a statement. “It is also important that, when needed, Missourians receive the proper treatment services necessary to gain employment or further their education. By proclaiming a special session, these issues will be addressed.”
This is the second special legislative session this year. House and Senate leaders called themselves into a special session in May to consider the possible impeachment of the-Gov. Eric Greitens. That session quietly ended after Greitens resigned from office.
Parson also used his veto pen to strike several line items out of this year’s state budget. Lawmakers in each chamber will need to garner two-thirds majority votes for each budget bill if they choose to override them on Wednesday.
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