AP: Inman: Special Session A ‘Waste Of Time’
House Dem leader: special session ‘waste of time’
by SEAN MURPHY
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Getting Oklahoma lawmakers to return for a special session to address a civil lawsuit bill ruled unconstitutional by the courts is a “waste of time and money,” the House Democratic leader said Monday.
Rep. Scott Inman said he believes most Oklahomans agree with members of his caucus that spending about $30,000 per day to vote on a bill that can be taken up in February is a waste of taxpayer money. Inman criticized Gov. Mary Fallin for discussing the possibility of a special session with Republican leaders in the House and Senate.
“Now, because (Fallin) doesn’t like the way the Supreme Court has ruled, she’s throwing around the idea of a special session for tort reform,” said Inman, D-Del City. “My caucus believes it would be a waste of time and money, something that could easily be addressed next legislative session.”
Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, said he favors returning during the interim to address the 2009 “tort reform” bill that was shot down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in June as an unconstitutional example of logrolling, or putting multiple subjects in one bill. House Speaker T.W. Shannon has said he would defer to the governor to make the call.