SQ 816 won’t appear on ballot
Veto referendum of controversial new law fails to get enough signatures.
Opponents of a new law that grants immunity to motorists who unintentionally hurt or kill people while fleeing from a riot failed to collect enough signatures to trigger a statewide vote on the measure.
About an hour before the signaturegathering deadline, supporters of State Question 816 — a referendum petition that would give Oklahomans a say in whether the state law remains on the books — realized they fell short of the 59,320 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
The No on 816 campaign did not turn in signatures to the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office Wednesday, which would have triggered a process to determine whether the question would qualify for the ballot.
A spokeswoman for campaign said they will explore other ways to challenge the new law, whether it is through a lawsuit or a traditional initiative petition, which requires more signatures than a veto referendum.
“We can’t let this law stand,” said spokeswoman Michelle Tilley.
She said the campaign collected tens of thousands of signatures through an all-volunteer effort that brought together activists and different groups from across the state.
However, the campaign faced a challenging signature-gathering environment that was complicated by new forms from the Secretary of State’s office that asked for more personal information than usual from signatories —
making people more hesitant to sign the petition, she said.
At issue was House Bill 1674, which protects drivers who fear for their safety while “fleeing” a riot. Under the law, a motorist could be immune from civil or criminal liability for injuring or killing a person so long as the driver exercised “due care” at the time of the injury.
The law approved by most Republican members of the GOP-led Oklahoma Legislature is set to take effect Nov. 1.
HB 1674 has been heavily criticized by Oklahoma activists and people of color who say the controversial measure is an overreaction to widespread racial justice protests last summer. Some have also warned the law could have a chilling effect on protests and other demonstrations of free speech.
Young Democrats of America President Joshua Harris-Till, of Oklahoma City, led the referendum effort to try and force a statewide vote on HB 1674.
Harris-Till took part in a Black Lives Matter protest in Oklahoma City last summer that was peaceful, but spilled into the streets. He expressed concerns about how a protester could have been hurt if HB 1674 were in effect at that time.
HB 1674 also classifies as a misdemeanor the unlawful obstruction of a road or highway. ViolaHarris-Till tors could face a year in
jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Organizations that conspire to block roads could face fines up to $50,000.
Reporter Carmen Forman covers state government and politics for The Oklahoman. Send story tips to cforman@oklahoman.com or connect on Twitter with @CarmenMForman. Support her work, and the work of other
Young Democrats of America President Joshua Harris-Till, of Oklahoma City, led the referendum effort to try and force a statewide vote on HB 1674.