Although they didn’t do as many as in 2023, state lawmakers this year tried to override seven measures vetoed by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt.
They were successful on five.
That number was far smaller than the 19 bills the Legislature discarded in 2023. Last year, legislative leaders criticized Stitt’s vetoes, saying the governor threw a tantrum because lawmakers disagreed with him on tax policy.
On Wednesday afternoon, both the House of Representatives and the Senate overrode Stitt’s veto of Senate Bill 102, a pension measure authored by Senator Jessica Garvin, a Republican from Duncan. The bill increases Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System benefits and increases employee and employer contributions.
Law enforcement and the Fraternal Order of Police supported the bill. Stitt countered that the bill would harm the fund’s long-term viability. In a veto message on website X (formerly Twitter), Stitt said the bill would endanger pension systems.
“The math just didn’t add up,” Stitt said. “We will not jeopardize the future pensions of our law enforcement agencies or the future financial health of our state. It is not an easy decision, but it is the right one for our state. That is why I have vetoed this bill.”
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During debate on the override, new Senate Pro Tempore Greg McCortney, R-Ada, said the measure was a good bill. “Don’t be distracted by claims about how good things could be now in two years,” McCortney said. “I encourage you to vote yes today.”
Gavin, the bill’s author, said the measure was not an easy yes vote.
“Yes, this bill is not perfect. No, there is no cost of living assistance. I urge you to join me in believing this is the right thing to do,” she said.
The veto of SB 102 was overridden by a vote of 36-9 in the Senate and by a vote of 83-4 in the House of Representatives.
The vetoes on two bills on health insurance have also been lifted
Lawmakers also overrode vetoes of two bills related to health insurance, including House Bill 1712, by Rep. TJ Marti, R-Broken Arrow, who prohibits insurers from refusing to cover prescription durable medical equipment; and House Bill 1979, by Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, who limits the conditions imposed by insurers on eye care providers under prepaid plans.
Stitt said both measures would weaken provider networks and force consumers to pay more.
The Legislature also overrode vetoes of SB 1438, by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, and HB 2687, by Rep. John George, R-Newalla. Rader’s bill allows a 1.25% recovery fee for heavy equipment. George’s measure adds new certified attorneys hired by the attorney general’s office or the state’s military department to the state police pension fund.
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While the Senate successfully overrode the veto of SB 1210 by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, the effort failed in the House of Representatives. The bill would have allowed county assessors to use photographs of fixed-wing aircraft for assessment purposes.
The Senate also voted to override the veto of Democratic-authored legislation SB 1751 by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, but the motion failed in the House of Representatives. It would require guardians of incapacitated adults to undergo training based on the condition of the person the guardian is caring for.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma lawmakers override five vetoes from Governor Kevin Stitt
