Bullock Vetoes Seven More Bills

Gov. Steve Bullock has vetoed seven more bills – including allowing legislators to carry firearms in the Capitol and a measure to limit abortions in Montana.  KTVQ.com reports that the Democratic governor also vetoed a bill that would have enabled the state to react to any new federal health-care law by applying for “innovation waivers,” including waivers allowing the state to set up high-risk health insurance pools.

Republican state Auditor Matt Rosendale, whose office regulates insurance in Montana, said Bullock’s veto is a mistake, saying [quote] “Montanans will suffer because the governor refuses to accept the reality of the health insurance market,” [end quote]  Rosendale said House Bill 652 would have allowed Montana to stabilize the health-insurance market.  Bullock’s veto message said the bill would have allowed “sweeping changes” to health coverage in Montana with no public input.