Arkansas lawmakers override governor’s veto of transgender medical restrictions

Wasting no time, the Arkansas legislature overrode Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s veto of HB 1570 on Tuesday (April 6).

The governor vetoed the measure on Monday calling it a “vast government overreach” and “well-intended” but “off course.”

HB 1570, led by Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Elm Springs, and Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, would prohibit gender transition procedures from being performed in state on individuals under age 18.

Known as the Arkansas Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act, it would prevent physicians from performing the procedures. It also would ban the use of public funds or the providing of insurance coverage for them.

The ban would not apply to services to individuals born with a medically verifiable sex development issue, such as the presence of ovarian and testicular tissue, the bill said.

The House of Representatives vote to overturn the veto was 71-24 with three Republicans voting against the override. In the State Senate, the veto was overridden 25-8. The chamber’s seven Democrats voted against the override as did Independent Sen. Jim Hendren. Two Republicans – Sen. Clark and Sen. Ben Gilmore, R-Crossett, were on leave.

Talk Business & Politics will update this story later today.