OLYMPIA — Legislation to legalize hemp farming was among a batch of bills Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed last week to punish lawmakers for not passing a budget before the regular session adjourned.

The setback for hemp advocates may only be temporary. The Legislature can repass the bill during the 30-day session that began March 11.

All told, Inslee vetoed 27 of the 37 bills legislators sent him during the just-concluded 60-day session.

“Given legislators’ inability to complete their number one job, I measured these bills against the importance of the budget and set a very high bar,” Inslee said in a written statement.

“I recognize this is perhaps the largest single batch of vetoes in history. None of these vetoed bills were as important as the fundamental responsibility of passing a budget. I continue to hope legislators will focus on negotiations and reach agreement as quickly as possible.” [Read more at the Capital Press]