OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Angered by a lawsuit challenging a scholarship program for children with disabilities, an Oklahoma lawmaker has introduced a bill that would abolish a section of the state constitution that prohibits the use of public money for religious purposes.
A resolution seeking a statewide vote passed the House Rules Committee on Wednesday on an 11-1 vote. If given final approval, the resolution would be placed on the November general election ballot.
Oklahoma City Republican Representative Jason Nelson says the measure is in response to a lawsuit challenging a scholarship program he helped create. The program allows public money to be used to send children with certain documented disabilities — such as autism, deafness, blindness or speech impairment — to private schools, including religious schools.