Governor Fallin "carefully analyzing" bills awaiting her signature

OKLAHOMA CITY — The end of Oklahoma's legislative session left Governor Mary Fallin with dozens of bills to consider. The majority of them haven't made headlines, but there are a few contentious measures sitting on her desk right now.

HB 2177 would label the Ten Commandments as a historical document, paving the way for a monument with the biblical text to be displayed on public property. The bill comes after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds was religious and had to be removed. The measure wouldn't force cities or counties to display the religious passage, but it would allow for it.

Another controversial bill would allow Oklahomans who are legally able to buy a firearm to carry it - concealed or openly - without a license. SB 1212 has received opposition from several law enforcement groups, and even the Oklahoma Rifle Association. The measure would get rid of the current requirement to attend an 8 hour training course for a permit to carry. The Oklahoma Second Amendment Association lobbied for the bill.

SB 1140 is also a measure that's garnered a lot of debate. It would grant legal protections to faith-based adoption agencies that won't place children in an LGBTQ home. Supporters say it guarantees religious freedom, but opponents believe the bill is discriminatory and will hurt children waiting to be adopted.

"We have about 70 bills left to make a decision on from the legislative session," said Governor Fallin on Wednesday. "There are a lot of bills that are drawing a lot of attention, but we’re carefully analyzing them, looking at the pros and cons - is it good public policy or is it not, what’s the public support, and certainly looking at the constitutionality of all of our laws too."

Fallin says she hopes to finish that process by next week.

The deadline to make a decision to sign or veto the bills is May 18th. If a bill doesn't get the governor's signature by then, it cannot become a law.

To voice your support or opposition to the bills awaiting her signature, you can call the governor's office at (405) 521-2342.