STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 54th Legislature (2013)

HOUSE JOINT
RESOLUTION 1020	By:	Blackwell

AS INTRODUCED

A Joint Resolution directing the Secretary of State to refer to the people for their approval or rejection a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma by adding a new Section 38 to Article II; providing that certain entities and persons cannot be forced to provide coverage for certain services if against their beliefs; providing ballot title; and directing filing.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 54TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
SECTION 1.  The Secretary of State shall refer to the people for their approval or rejection, as and in the manner provided by law, the following proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma by adding a new Section 38 to Article II thereof, to read as follows:
No individual, employer, health plan provider, health plan sponsor, health care provider, or any other person or entity shall be compelled to provide coverage for, or be discriminated against or penalized for declining or refusing coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization in a health plan if such items or procedures are contrary to the religious beliefs or moral convictions of such employer, health plan provider, health plan sponsor, health care provider, person, or entity.
SECTION 2.  The Ballot Title for the proposed Constitutional amendment as set forth in SECTION 1 of this resolution shall be in the following form:
BALLOT TITLE
Legislative Referendum No. ____	State Question No. ____
THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:
This measure adds a new section of law to the State Constitution. It adds Section 38 to Article 2.  It prohibits penalizing or forcing an employer, health plan provider, health plan sponsor, health care provider, or any other person or entity to provide health care coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization if contrary to their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED?
FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES	_____________
AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO 	_____________
SECTION 3.  The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, immediately after the passage of this resolution, shall prepare and file one copy thereof, including the Ballot Title set forth in SECTION 2 hereof, with the Secretary of State and one copy with the Attorney General.

54-1-5813	AMM	01/06/13