Idaho Gov. Little to decide any vetoes by March 31

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Idaho Governor Brad Little has about a week to decide whether or not to veto two anti-transgender bills sent to him by the Legislature.

The Republican governor gave himself a March 31st deadline to choose a course of action on a measure banning transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates despite a federal court ruling a previous Idaho ban was unconstitutional, and that the Idaho attorney general’s office said could end up costing the state $1 million if it goes to court again.

The other bill prohibits transgender women from competing in women’s sports despite also getting warnings that such a law is unconstitutional. The measure would apply to all sports teams sponsored by public schools, colleges, and universities.

Little’s deadline is 10 days from final adjournment, not counting Sundays, and he’s using the time and date the Senate called it quits last Thursday evening.

Both the anti-transgender bills had overwhelming support among Republicans in the House and Senate in numbers great enough to override a veto.

Had the House and Senate stayed in session, Little would have had a five-day deadline to make a decision. Now he has 10 days, and because the Legislature voted to end the session, lawmakers are powerless to return and override any vetoes.

Little also hasn’t yet taken action on a bill that bans affirmative action, and another making most abortions in Idaho illegal should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing the procedure. (AP)

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