PHOENIX — Arizona House lawmakers on Tuesday were five votes short of overriding a veto on what's been dubbed the "tamale bill."
House Bill 2509 would have expanded what homemade food could be sold on the street.
The legislation passed easily earlier in the session. However, Gov. Katie Hobbs made the bill one of her record-breaking 63 vetos so far this session.
The veto split Democrats. And on Tuesday there were dueling news conferences as Democrats supported and opposed the veto.
"I think it shows a lack of backbone and a lack of leadership," Democrat Rep. Alma Hernadez said after leadership changed their position on the bill, in part to not override a Democrat in the governor's office.
However, Democrat Sen. Anna Hernandez, who originally voted for the legislation earlier in the session, said there are potential health concerns and worries the legislation is a vehicle for dark money groups to deregulate the industry.
The vote to override failed to pass the House. The Senate never brought up the bill.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.