22 Sep 2011

American Samoa Senate approves veto override measure

11:04 am on 22 September 2011

The American Samoa Senate has approved legislation that seeks to amend the local constitution to remove the veto override authority of the Interior Secretary.

The vote was unanimous and the measure now goes to the House for consideration.

Currently, the Constitution provides that no later than 14 days after a bill has been vetoed by the governor, it may be passed over his veto by a two-thirds majority of the entire membership of each chamber.

A bill so re-passed is again presented to the governor for his approval.

If he does not approve it within 15 days, the governor is to send it together with his comments to the Secretary of Interior.

If the Secretary of Interior approves it within 90 days after receiving it, the bill becomes law - otherwise it does not.