Concerned Oklahomans call bill 'unconstitutional'; restricts signatures for ballot measures

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – State Senators voted on Wednesday to send Senate Bill 1027 to the Governor’s desk, passing 39-7.

The bill reforms the state’s initiative petition process, which allows voters to sign a petition to have a statewide question on the ballot. It restricts the number of voters who can sign a petition in each county.

A row of upset Oklahomans were seated in the gallery Wednesday to listen to lawmakers question and debate the measure.

Senate Democrats said the move would silence Oklahomans while giving more power to the legislature.

"It's a power grab,” said Sen. Mark Mann (D-Oklahoma City). “It takes power away from everyday Oklahoma voters."

Senator Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City) argued the bill was unconstitutional.

"This bill threatens something fundamental; our freedom as Oklahomans," said Hicks.

Senator David Bullard (R-Durant) authored the bill. He said he has been working on legislation that reforms the initiative petition process for three years.

"I'm not ending anything,” said Bullard. “I'm putting guardrails to protect people."

Bullard said the bill would protect against the majority of signatures coming from two of the state’s largest counties; Oklahoma and Tulsa.

"This forces them out to 18 or 20 different counties, don't even force them out to all 77 counties,” said Bullard.

Conversations between lawmakers became heated as they discussed how the bill could limit the voice of the people.

"This is very harmful for Oklahomans and their ability to be a part of a process that has been in place for 118 years," said Sen. Nikki Nice (D-Oklahoma City).

"The Republic, the Republican form of government, says that you're ruled by your elected officials," said Bullard.

After the vote, Oklahomans against Senate Bill 1027 voiced their concerns.

"I don't know when I've been more frustrated," said Cindy Alexander.

She and around a dozen others joined Senate Democrats to drop off more than 2,500 signed letters to the Governor’s office. The letters were from people across all 77 counties who were against the passage of the bill, hoping to convince Governor Stitt to use his veto powers.

If it didn’t work, frustrated Oklahomans said they had a plan.

"We fight. This goes into a lawsuit. This is an unconstitutional call,” said Jennifer Freeman.  “This is a betrayal. This is an absolute betrayal of Oklahomans. Our history, our Constitution, our rights."

Governor Stitt was asked at his Wednesday press conference if he would use his veto powers, and he did not directly answer the question. He has five days to make a decision.

The bill also has an emergency clause which means it would go into effect as soon as it has been signed into law.