OKLAHOMA CITY (May 13, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond blasted a slew of recent vetoes by Gov. Stitt, including measures that would have strengthened public safety, improved government transparency and accountability, and forced health insurance companies to cover mammograms. All passed the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support – reflecting the will of everyday Oklahomans.
“Sadly, Gov. Kevin Stitt has clearly decided he no longer cares about serving the citizens of Oklahoma and is instead focused on serving special-interest groups and playing petty politics,” Drummond said. “While his days are thankfully numbered, his loyalty to lobbyists and insiders will continue damaging public safety and transparency until his term is over.”
Drummond pointed to a trio of Senate bills related to public safety: Senate Bill 54 would have stiffened penalties for drunk driving; SB 631 would have ensured tougher punishment for shooting into a dwelling; and, SB 37 would have created a mass casualty revolving fund.
“Public safety should always be a Governor’s top priority, but Kevin Stitt has proven time and again that he is soft on crime and weak on violent offenders,” Drummond said. “If you don’t believe me, go ask the families whose loved ones have been murdered, raped or otherwise victimized by the monsters the Governor released in his infamous mass commutation.”
Drummond said he was particularly disgusted by Stitt’s veto of SB 37 because of a massive tragedy that was narrowly avoided around the time of last November’s election.
“Gov. Stitt partnered with the Biden Administration to import poorly vetted Afghan refugees, using millions of our tax dollars to pay for their food and shelter, and of course one of them turned out to be a radical ISIS terrorist,” Drummond said. “That terrorist was plotting a mass shooting at our polling places to interfere with President Trump’s election but thank God our brave law enforcement officers stopped him. Oklahomans expect their Governor to support bills that protect them, not veto them.”
Drummond also criticized Gov. Stitt’s veto of House Bill 2163, which would have established a Public Access Counselor Unit within the Office of the Attorney General. Under the legislation, the unit would investigate violations of the Open Records and Open Meeting laws, shining light on the malfeasance and corruption of the Stitt administration.
“I give the Governor credit for telling Oklahomans the truth about why he vetoed this bill: He doesn’t want me to have increased authority to hold him and his failed political appointees accountable for refusing to follow the law,” said Drummond. “As Attorney General, I serve the people of Oklahoma, not bureaucrats or politicians. My client is the Oklahoma taxpayer, not powerful insiders or special-interest groups. The Governor’s veto will not stop me from doing everything within my power to uphold the law and fulfill my duty to the people.”
Finally, he slammed the Governor for vetoing two bills that directly affect the health and pocketbook of every Oklahoman who buys prescription drugs or requires a mammogram. SB 773 would have ensured that an investigation into a pharmacy benefit manager receives the cooperation of any entity interacting with that PBM, while SB 1389 would have expanded health insurance coverage of breast cancer screenings.
“I cannot imagine a more sickening thing for a Governor to do than stand with PBMs and health insurance companies instead of fighting for the Oklahoma families routinely abused by these self-serving and greedy entities,” Drummond said. “Our loved ones expect their Governor to help them get the health care they need at the lowest possible price. Unfortunately, Gov. Stitt is putting these special-interest groups before Oklahomans.” Drummond commended the Legislature for passing each of these measures and encouraged them to continue fighting on behalf of their constituents.
"Oklahomans should be thankful our legislators worked to build overwhelming bipartisan support for these bills and sent them to the Governor’s desk,” Drummond said. “While each measure passed with strong veto-proof majorities, I understand there are many factors for legislative leaders to consider before initiating a veto override – not the least of which is the fragile ego of the current Governor – but I encourage them to do so.”
