AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's looking like the latest dispute between Gov. Paul LePage and the Legislature will have to be settled by the Maine Supreme Court.
There are 19 bills already in legal limbo because of the governor's action, and another 51 bills could join them in a few days. LePage released a summary of his legal arguments on the issue. He claims the Legislature adjourned last week, and said the Constitution doesn't allow him to send back the vetoes until lawmakers are back in session for at least three days.
Democrats in the Legislature said they have not adjourned, but instead are in recess until they come back next week to vote on vetoes. They claim that because the governor didn't act, those 19 bills have now become law.
Attorney General Janet Mills issued her own legal opinion Friday, saying basically that the governor's interpretation is wrong, that the Legislature has not yet adjourned. Therefore, the 19 bills have become state law.
Peter Steele, the Governor's communications director said, "... the order of adjournment and the subsequent adjournment of the Legislature has prevented the Governor from returning vetoed bills to their houses of origin. Because of this, the Constitution provides that he is not obliged to return the bills and the bills do not become law without signature..."
The Governor's office said if the Legislature is willing to stay in session for at least three days when it returns next week, he can send them the vetoes and avoid the need for a court battle
