Governor Joe Lombardo has set a new record with at least 76 vetoes in a single legislative session, surpassing his previous record of 75. Some of the notable vetoed bills include:
- Paid Leave Changes: Lombardo vetoed bills aimed at expanding paid family and medical leave, arguing they disrupt economic stability and undermine collective bargaining.
- Immigration Enforcement in Schools: A bill that would have restricted ICE access in schools was vetoed due to concerns over legal confusion and enforcement challenges.
- Gun Violence Prevention: A proposal to appoint a special counsel for gun violence prevention was turned down, with the veto message pending.
- Price Manipulation: Legislation to prevent price fixing of essential goods was vetoed for overreaching government authority and misunderstanding market dynamics.
- Sex Worker Immunity: A bill offering immunity to sex workers for reporting crimes was rejected for potentially institutionalizing distrust in law enforcement.
- Housing and Rent Control: Bills addressing apartment habitability and implementing rent control for seniors were vetoed due to concerns over economic implications and existing legal balances.
- Sex Education: A shift from opt-in to opt-out sex education in schools was vetoed to maintain parental decision-making authority.
- Firearms Restrictions: Legislation restricting firearm ownership for those under 21 was vetoed for constitutional concerns.
- Holiday Designations: Several bills designating specific observance days were vetoed, as existing processes for proclamations were deemed sufficient.
- Library Immunity: A bill granting immunity to librarians for providing access to materials was vetoed due to concerns over undermining oversight.
- Polystyrene Ban: The veto of a bill banning Styrofoam containers in chain restaurants was justified by potential cost increases for consumers.
- Trans Community Protection: A shield law for the trans community was vetoed due to ambiguous language and potential conflicts with federal law.
- Animal Testing Ban: A bill banning the sale of animal-tested cleaning products was vetoed due to legal uncertainties and cost implications.
- Hate Crime Gun Restrictions: A bill preventing firearm possession by those convicted of hate crimes was vetoed for lacking a direct connection to firearms offenses.
- Noncitizen Police Officers: A proposal allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers was vetoed, maintaining that officers should be U.S. citizens.
- Trans Prisoner Care: A bill mandating care standards for transgender prisoners was vetoed over potential conflicts with federal authority and funding issues.
- Fake Electors: Legislation prohibiting fake electoral certificates was vetoed for concerns over First Amendment rights and due process.
These vetoes reflect the governor’s concerns over economic impacts, legal clarity, and maintaining existing legal and social structures.