Episode 119
The quadruple veto override...that wasn't in the manual
When a quadruple veto override is the least notable thing that happens at the legislature in a given week, you know session must be drawing to a close. This week the Governor vetoed the budget plus three related bills, the legislature quickly voted to override the vetoes, and the legislature passed all manner of other bills that would do everything from:
- Changes to the initiative petition process (HB 3826)
- Attacks on campaign ethics rules (HB3613 & HB3996, though it was retracted)
- Pay raise for judges
- Omnibus administrative rules bill (passed, save for the OSDH rules about vaccines)
- An abortion bill
- Expanded Medicaid
- Took authority away from cities & mayors
- Permanently permitting curbside and delivery of liquor
- A COLA increase for retired state employees
- And so much more!
First, let’s start with the ethics commission.
- On Thursday it looked like they were trying to pass a law to allow candidates to spend campaign funds on personal expenses, but that bill was retracted.
- Donation use stays restricted (The Oklahoman)
- On Wednesday, they sent HB3613 to the Governor, and the Ethics Commission says it is opaque enough that it might mean they can’t collect reports they need.
- Would this counteract HB3827?
- Bill could hide donor and lobbyist info from the public (The Frontier)
Let’s talk about the budget.
- What was vetoed and why
- What the legislature did about it
- Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoes budget, Legislature overrides (NonDoc)
- S&P says 33% change Oklahoma’s bond rating drops
Don't forget: Civics Con is on May 29th! Registration is now open: CivicsCon.com