Oklahoma House and Senate Vote Overwhelmingly to Override Governor’s Veto of Turnpike Board Appointment Legislation

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA May 25, 2023—Today the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate voted overwhelmingly to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 2263, a bill that will change the way members are appointed to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board. Before this legislation passed, the Governor made all six appointments to the OTA Board. When House Bill 2263 by Danny Sterling of the House and Cody Rogers of the Senate, becomes law November 1, 2023, instead of all six appointments, the Governor will make two and two will be made by the Speaker of the House and two by the Senate President Pro Tempore.

The vote passed the House by a vote of 78 to 19 and passed the Senate 39 to 5. A two thirds majority vote is required to override a Governor’s veto.

“This is an historic moment in Oklahoma history with the passing of HB 2263 that started the process of placing oversight and accountability on the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Prohibiting members of the Authority Board from voting on any issue in which the member has a direct financial interest and spreading the appointments out over the senate, house and governor’s office helps create a balanced environment where critical and transparent discussions can occur in the quest to develop the best possible transportation solutions for the citizens of Oklahoma,” stated Amy Cerato, a board member of Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation.