BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — ND Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says Gov. Doug Burgum overstepped his authority on some vetoes he issued after the Legislature adjourned.

The state Constitution gives the governor power to veto provisions in a spending bill without rejecting the entire measure.

Republican House Majority Leader Al Carlson of Fargo and his Senate counterpart, Rich Wardner, of Dickinson requested the attorney general’s opinion in May, questioning whether the governor could veto parts of appropriation bills in ways that change the legislative intent.

In a formal opinion Monday, Stenehjem said the vetoes of some sections of the North Dakota University System appropriation and a couple others were not authorized.

Legislative leaders say they need to study the opinion before deciding whether to challenge the vetoes in court or try to override them.

The opinion can be found here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/attorney-generals-office/legal-opinions/opinion-search