On Aug. 26 the Texas Comptroller’s office sent out the statement that State Comptroller Glenn Hegar is seeking an opinion from the Texas Office of the Attorney General on the effect of certain parts of the Governor’s veto proclamation for House Bill No. 1, the General Appropriations Act.
Hegar issued the following statement:
“I am lapsing the funds for all items objected to by the Governor and will treat the items in question as vetoed. However, if advised otherwise, those appropriations can be made available immediately. As the Chief Financial officer of the state of Texas, it is my responsibility to account for items of appropriation. There are complex questions related to the Governor’s vetoes, so I am seeking clarity and requesting guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. This is a constitutional issue that goes to the heart of separation of powers within Texas government. I have a fiduciary duty to Texas taxpayers to ensure their hard-earned dollars are spent in a manner that is consistent with the constitution of the state of Texas.”
To view Comptroller Hegar’s Attorney General Opinion Request: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/opinions/opinions/51paxton/rq/2015/pdf/RQ0047KP.pdf