Morrissette: Special protections becoming common

Oklahoma City (March 5, 2009) State Capitol – After passing several bills aimed at dissipating individual liberties and protections, the Republican House turned around and increased special protections and exceptions for corporations, according to one lawmaker.

Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City, said he has noticed a disturbing trend in who benefits from the legislation passed by the House.

“The very same day my colleagues across the aisle voted to abolish layers of judicial access for individuals who have been wronged, they evidently saw the need to curry even more favor from corporations,” he stated.

HB1603, billed as insurance reform legislation, passed the House Wednesday.  Many opponents believe it will restrict individuals seeking judicial remedies for negligence and wrongdoing.  On the other hand, Rep. Morrissette noted, HB2054 and HB1747 – both of which passed the House on Wednesday – allow special exceptions for corporations to rules designed to protect all Oklahomans.

“HB2054 allows certain companies to purchase permits so their vehicles may exceed size and weight restrictions,” he said.  “However, our roads and bridges are there for all of us, and these restrictions are there for everyone’s safety.  As an individual, I can’t buy an exception to the rules – but apparently corporate entities can.”

The other bill, HB1747, carves out an exception to good-government, competitive bidding requirements.

“After saying that we need an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy, Republicans authorized a bill to restrict competitive bidding requirements for companies seeking contracts to provide new forms of energy,” he continued.  “That sounds more like a ‘select few of the above’ approach to me.”