Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2024, the Governor returned the following bill without approval: SB572 SD2 HD2 CD1

This document is a veto message from Governor Josh Green regarding Senate Bill 572, which proposes allowing the Department of Agriculture to declare a biosecurity emergency to address pest outbreaks. Under the bill, the Governor could take control of goods, property, or watercraft to manage such emergencies, a power the Governor argues could disrupt commercial harbor operations and the flow of essential goods. The Governor returned the bill without approval, citing concerns that the authority to requisition watercraft is too broad and could unnecessarily impact the timely movement of consumer goods, vehicles, and fuel.