Abbott’s First Veto Nixes Ceremonial Mental Health Resolution

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — Republican Governor Greg Abbott has issued his first veto, striking down a ceremonial resolution saluting mental health professionals statewide. A House Concurrent Resolution by Nacogdoches Republican Representative Travis Clardy (pictured) commended mental health professionals as part of National Mental Health Month, observed each May. But Abbott said in a veto proclamation Monday that the Texas Constitution “requires all laws to be passed as bills” and “new law cannot be made by concurrent resolution.” He said the resolution “purports to direct the actions of state agencies in the manner of a law,” thus going “beyond the proper bounds of a concurrent resolution.” Abbott took office in January. As governor, he has 10 days to sign or veto laws approved by the Legislature, though any he takes no action on become law automatically.