Senate Overrides Stitt's Survivors' Act Veto

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act faced a hurdle this week when it was vetoed by Governor Kevin Stitt after passing in both the state House and Senate.

The Senate voted 46 to 1 to override Stitt’s veto on Wednesday.

Republican Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat expressed disappointment in Stitt’s decision to veto the bill.

“It is appalling that the governor wouldn’t stand up for the victims of domestic violence,” Pro Tem Treat said. “The governor is playing politics in the worst way possible, and this stands to negatively impact the lives of victims of horrific crimes, further traumatizing them. There was zero communication from the governor or his team before vetoing this legislation. He either has no grasp of this policy or doesn’t care enough to get involved to inform himself. Whichever it is, it’s embarrassing, especially for our state that has such a high rate of domestic violence.”

The House has not voted to override Stitt’s veto yet, but they have until Sine Die on the final Friday in May to do so. That date is May 31 this year.

If the House does not take any action to override Stitt’s veto, the legislation will die and would have to be reintroduced during another session.

Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the nation.

If the House votes to override the veto and the legislation becomes law, survivors who commit crimes related to their abuse would be able to receive lesser sentences.

Those currently incarcerated could also apply for retroactive relief if they meet the requirements.

VNN will continue to follow developments in this story.