Gov. Henry vetos tort reform again
Gov. Brad Henry, who once vowed to bring “Texas-style” lawsuit reform to Oklahoma, has once again vetoed a bill with tort reforms.
Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, noted that the language in HB 2458 is similar to wording from last year’s lawsuit reform legislation, SB 507.
At that time, Henry said the bill “contained some positive provisions,” and cited caps on non-economic damages as his primary concern with the legislation. He did not identify certificate of merit as a portion of the bill he opposed when he vetoed the bill, said Sullivan.
Henry campaigned in favor of tort reform during the 2006 governor’s race.
“Gov. Henry has consistently stated that he is in favor of lawsuit reform yet has repeatedly vetoed what we have sent to him,” said Sullivan. “I am very disappointed that language he agreed with last year has now fallen prey to his veto pen.
“It appears the powers that have heavily invested in the status quo have won another victory and the citizens of Oklahoma have lost yet another opportunity to bring reform to our legal system.”
HB 2458 included a bipartisan amendment added in the State Senate that aimed to reduce frivolous lawsuits by requiring that claims against professionals be certified to have merit prior to the filing of a lawsuit.
“It is disappointing, but not surprising, that Gov. Henry has once again vetoed a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill. Instead of continually saying ‘no’ to lawsuit reform with his veto pen, the governor needs tell the Legislature which reforms he will say ‘yes’ to,” said Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The trial lawyers have a true friend in Gov. Brad Henry.”
“It is not surprising to see, once again, Gov. Henry sided with trial lawyers over Oklahomans today with his veto of a reasonable lawsuit reform measure,” said Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon. “This bill would have cleared the court of frivolous lawsuits, making them more accessible for those injured as a result of proven professional negligence, not less as Gov. Henry claims. We will look at the possibility of a veto override.”