The author of a bill that would’ve effectively outlawed abortion in Oklahoma wants to talk with Gov. Mary Fallin about overriding her veto.
In a press conference Tuesday morning, state Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, says he wants to address Fallin’s concerns about Senate Bill 1552.
“We are in hopes that the governor will come to the table and further these discussions with us,” Dahm said.
Dahm acknowledged finalizing a budget deal to close Oklahoma’s $1.3 billion shortfall for the fiscal year that starts July 1 commands Fallin’s attention.
“While funding all these agencies and entities are a top priority, so is what we can do to protect states’ rights, to protect the rights of individuals, especially those most vulnerable - the rights of the unborn,” Dahm said.
Dahm said the Liberty Council has promised to defend Oklahoma in any lawsuit challenging the bill, which would save the state money in court. Thirty-two Senators and 68 House members would have to vote in favor of overriding the veto before p.m. deadline to end the 2016 legislative session.
In Fallin’s veto message Friday, she said the bill’s vague language wouldn’t survive a legal challenge.
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