Judge Says 2009 Abortion Law Violated One-Subject Rule

Oklahoma County District Judge Daniel L. Owens ruled Friday afternoon in Oklahoma City that a 2009 abortion law, HB 1595, is unconstitutional. The court, writing in Davis vs. W.A. Drew Edmondson, said the law violated the Oklahoma Constitution because it dealt with several different subjects, something the Oklahoma Constituion forbids. Laws must deal with only one subject, Owens said.

Oklahoma lawmakers had bundled several abortion-related pieces of legislation together and passed them as an omnibus measure in 2009, but the judge said that wasn't permitted.

Several of the measures Owens has now invalidated are working their way through the legislative process in 2010, this time as separate bills.

Attorney Teresa Collett, who argued in favor of HB 1595's legality, said she may appeal pending a review of Owen's opinion.