In an effort to avoid a repeat performance of this week's special session, the House approved a bill Tuesday that would allow lawmakers to adjourn indefinitely after finishing their work, then go home and wait to see if the governor vetoes any of their bills.

Should Gov. John Hoeven veto anything, they would be able to return to the Capitol to try to override the veto, but in the meantime, they wouldn't be paid, even though technically they still would be in session. Current law requires that lawmakers be paid until they adjourn "sine die," which marks the end of the legislative session.

House Majority Leader Rick Berg said the bill would allow lawmakers to adjourn today, for example, and recess for 20 days without costing taxpayers 20 days of legislative pay, which adds up to about $50,000 per day.

He said the bill basically allows the Legislature to have a shot at overriding a veto, without having to be paid to wait while the governor looks over the bills.

Berg said he believes the bill helps preserve the constitutional process for resolving differences between the Legislature and governor by allowing override attempts.

Rep. Tom Brusegaard, R-Gilby, said if lawmakers adjourn and Hoeven doesn't veto anything, it's possible they may be able to adjourn for good without having to return to Bismarck.

The bill passed the House, 82-7, and now goes to the Senate.

(Reach Deena Winter at 223-8482 or deenawinter@ndonline.com.)