The Latest in Oklahoma: May 30, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahoma lawmakers overrode 50 of Governor Kevin Stitt’s 68 vetoes at the close of the 2025 legislative session, a significant increase from initial expectations. This surge in overrides was largely prompted by a video Stitt released, in which he criticized legislators and suggested they be challenged in upcoming elections for supporting what he termed “big government” bills. The video was perceived by many legislators as confrontational, leading to a breakdown in previously cooperative relations. Notably, the legislature overrode vetoes on key bills, including one mandating increased insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings and another comprehensive measure affecting the Oklahoma National Guard.
The Oklahoma Legislature voted overwhelmingly to remove Allie Friesen as commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, concluding a 15-month tenure marked by a $30 million budget shortfall and a consent decree tied to inherited issues. Tensions between the Legislature and Governor Kevin Stitt escalated sharply after the governor issued a statement accusing Rep. Josh West and Sen. Paul Rosino of having undisclosed motives for supporting Friesen’s removal. He questioned whether they were trying to hide conflicts of interest, even implying that Rosino’s support was meant to shield his wife, a part-time agency employee, from accountability. The governor’s remarks triggered significant backlash among lawmakers and were referenced repeatedly during debate on Senate Concurrent Resolution 12, which was authored by Rosino and West. The resolution passed 43–1, and Stitt’s comments are widely viewed as having deepened the rift between the executive and legislative branches—one that may linger well beyond this vote.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2764, reducing the state’s top income tax rate from 4.75% to 4.5%. The legislation consolidates six tax brackets into three and includes provisions for further reductions contingent on specific financial conditions. The estimated fiscal impact of this tax cut is approximately $350 million.
The Oklahoma Legislature has approved the creation of specialized business courtsaimed at handling complex commercial disputes more efficiently. These courts will focus on cases involving business and commercial law, providing a streamlined process for resolving such matters. The initiative is designed to enhance the state’s legal infrastructure and attract more business by offering a more predictable and expert-driven judicial process for commercial litigation.
Session Wrap Up
The OK House of Representatives adjourned the First Session of the 60th Legislature sine die at 10:13am this morning after the Senate adjourned sine die just after 12:00am.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“He was such a quiet, unassuming person that just wanted better for you than he wanted for himself,” said Mark Thomas, executive director of the Oklahoma Press Association, about former Oklahoma State Representative Larry Ferguson’s passing. “He always wanted to defer to other people that they received recognition, not him. I think lying in state is a terrific way to honor him and the whole Ferguson family, which has been an important part of Oklahoma history.”