Opinion ID: 2570810
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Does the vetoed language in the treatment program appropriation violate the principle of separation of powers?

Text: The governor contends that the vetoed treatment program language impermissibly interferes with the administration's discretion in managing the program and therefore violates article III, section 1 of the Alaska Constitution and the separation-of-powers principle. The council counters that there is little point to this language, but that it is a legitimate attempt to minimize costs. We concluded above that this language did not violate the confinement clause because it could be read as a description of the program. The same reasoning applies here. Because this language can permissibly be read not to direct the executive branch to take any action, it does not interfere with executive discretion. We therefore conclude that this language does not violate the principle of separation of powers.