If you would like to receive legislative update emails from the ACLU of Oklahoma, please send your contact information to: acluok@acluok.org.
The ACLU of Oklahoma needs your help. We do not want this session to be an assault on civil liberties. We need people to get involved in the democratic process. Despite what you have heard, one phone call, one email, or one visit to you legislator can make a difference.
Legislators work for you, and they need to hear from their constituents.
Below is a list of bills that concern us. We have decided that these will have a severe civil liberty impact and must be stopped. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at acluok@acluok.org. If you do not know who your legislator is, please email us with either your district number or home address, so we can help you locate the appropriate person.
HB 1037 by Tibbs- Requires ID to vote
Ø Directed to House Calendar
Ø This bill will require Oklahomans to provide a government issued ID in order to vote. Voting is a fundamental right and to create barriers is unreasonable. There is absolutely no evidence that Oklahoma has ever had a problem with voter impersonation fraud. However, there are over 78,000 Oklahomans who do not have a photo ID, and over 1400 voters with a photo ID that will be turned away at the polls.
HB 1330 by Ritze- Erects a Ten Commandments Monument at the Capitol
Ø Directed to House Calendar
Ø This bill will erect a Ten Commandments Monument at the State Capitol. While the author of the bill argues that this monument will not cost taxpayers any money, he has failed to respond to who will pay for the insurance, maintenance, and potential litigation. As with all monuments erected on the capitol ground, this task is left to taxpayers. The Supreme Court of the United States in its most recent decision on monuments at the Capitol held that a permanent monument placed on government property is government speech. There are many church/state issues with this bill
HJR 1042 by Terril- Requires English to be the Official Language
Ø Direct to House Calendar
Ø This bill will make English the official language in Oklahoma. It will prevent state agencies from communicating with those that have yet to master the English Language. This bill does not provide legitimate means to helping those people become proficient in English. Bills that are divisive such as these create barriers.
SB 4 by Ford Requires ID to Vote
Ø Direct to Senate Calendar
Ø This bill will require Oklahomans to provide a government issued ID in order to vote or a voter registration card. Voting is a fundamental right and to create barriers is unreasonable. There is absolutely no evidence that Oklahoma has ever had a problem with voter impersonation fraud. However, there are over 78,000 Oklahomans who do not have a photo ID, and over 1400 voters with a photo ID that will be turned away at the polls.
SB 1099 by Nichols- Makes unlawful to Intimidate over the Internet
Ø Direct to Senate Calendar
Ø This bill will prohibit any harassment over the Internet to minors and elderly. This bill is vague and may have speech infringement implications. This bill has yet to be completely vetted, and we will provide more information at a later date.
These bills have advanced to the Senate from the House, so you will need to contact your senator to voice your opinion.
HB1595 by Sullivan- Requires Women to Answer Invasive Questionnaire for Medical Procedure
Ø Advanced to the Senate
Ø This bill will require women who choose to terminate a pregnancy to have to endure a long list of unnecessary questioning. Her answers will then be uploaded to a web site for public viewing. While the woman’s name will be withheld, a woman’s identity could be determined in small and rural communities. There is a selection that prohibits abortion based on gender of the fetus; however, there is no evidence that this occurs in Oklahoma or in any part of the United States. This is clearly a distraction from the invasion of privacy. This reporting will cost the taxpayers hundred of thousands of dollars.
HB 1645 by Rousselot- Prohibits all Headgear for Driver's License Photo without Religious Exemption
Ø Advanced to Senate
Ø This bill was not initially on our radar. However, through an untimely amendment, Rep. Rex Duncan changed the language to prohibit all headgear for driver’s licenses without a religious exemption. Rep. Duncan stated that this was a direct response to a Muslim woman who was having difficulty getting her picture taken, but through advocacy was able to come to a successful resolution. The Department of Public Safety already has a policy regarding headgear, and this completely usurps this policy. This bill will infringe the First Amendment Rights of many minority faiths.
You may call (405) 521-2711 to talk to your legislator.