A bill meant to protect thousands of Oklahomans living with epilepsy is now dead after a veto from Governor Kevin Stitt. The measure would have expanded epilepsy care across the state, and the family behind it says the decision could have life or death consequences. Its supporters argue that the veto closes off help that some patients and their relatives had been counting on.
The legislation would have increased access to care for people with epilepsy, in part by expanding insurance coverage for the condition. Those who pushed for the bill describe epilepsy as a very expensive illness, calling it the number one underfunded disease. They say the measure would have eased the burden on families who are struggling with the costs of treatment.
For one family, the issue is deeply personal. Hannah Witten says her brother, Dylan Sheetwood, was born with epilepsy, and that she watched him suffer with the disease for 25 years. She has spoken about how painful it is to watch someone you love live with the condition, and her family became the public face of the effort to pass the bill.
Dylan died at the age of 25 from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, known as SUDEP. His sister says he died of something the family did not even know existed, and that no one had ever told them about the risk. That loss became part of the reason the family fought for legislation aimed at helping others living with the disease.
Governor Kevin Stitt said he was concerned the bill would drive up insurance costs, and on that basis he vetoed it. Hannah Witten said she was stunned by the decision, calling it outrageous that in America people cannot buy insurance for a disease they did not ask to get. The family had hoped the measure would become law and were taken aback when it was struck down.
The family says the fight is not over. They plan to work with lawmakers to refile the bill next session at the state capitol, and they are urging anyone living with epilepsy, or who has a loved one with the condition, to contact their lawmakers and push for support of the measure next year. For now, the bill that they had backed will not take effect.