House Completes Bill-Filing Process

At the conclusion of the filing process at 5 p.m. on Jan. 15 – the last day for state representatives to file legislation – there were 1,269 bills, 46 joint resolutions, and six concurrent resolutions filed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for the 2009 legislative session.

This is the first year members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives were able to file bills electronically, increasing efficiency and moving the state one step closer to a “paperless” government.

The new electronic bill filing system is one of the first in the nation and puts Oklahoma at the forefront of developing and using new technologies to make government more efficient and cost-effective.

Until this year, members filed their bills in person, which then were hand numbered by the House Bill Clerk. Each member is allowed to file as many as eight separate bills. Each individual bill packet contained six copies of each bill that would be hand-numbered. Last year, the House Chief Clerk’s Office reported that more than 1,200 bills were filed, meaning more than 7,200 bills were hand numbered.

Since Republicans took control of the House in 2004, they have attempted to bring the legislative process into the 21st century by introducing new technology, including implementing wireless Internet service in the House, providing each representative with a laptop computer for the first time and creating an electronic system that allows members to file amendments to bills and access the House Calendar from the chamber floor.

Senate Works to Meet Bill Filing Deadline

Thursday, January 15 marks the deadline for members of the Oklahoma State Senate to file legislation for the 2009 session, the first of the 52nd Legislature.

By 5 p.m., 1,054 bills and 35 joint resolutions had been filed, with staff members expected to work into the evening filing the final measures. In 2008, the Senate considered 1,069 new bills as well as 31 new joint resolutions. In 2007, a total of 1,130 bills and 32 joint resolutions were filed by members of the Senate.

Members of the public can read and download current legislation by going to the official State Senate website at www.oksenate.gov and following the link for legislation at the top of the homepage.

Senate Republicans Announce Policy Agenda

Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate released their policy agenda for the 2009 legislative session today, calling for a fairer and more business friendly tax policy, reform of the archaic and business-unfriendly legal system in Oklahoma, and to continue to improve our state’s infrastructure.

In concurrent news conferences in the State Capitol and Tulsa, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and Republican Caucus Chairman John Ford said Senate Republicans also desire to reform Oklahoma’s election system, assuring clean and fair elections while imposing term limits on statewide elected officials, as well as provide health care access to more Oklahomans and to continue to promote national energy independence through a vibrant Oklahoma energy industry.

“Republicans have sat in the background in forming public policy for too many years now,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, “but with thanks to the voters of our state, we will now have a seat at the head of the table.

“We will not squander this opportunity,” he continued. “We believe the voters responded to the better ideas we offered in campaigns across the state, and we will do all we can in cooperation with the Governor and the House to deliver a new brand of government in Oklahoma.”

“Oklahomans have given Senate Republicans a great responsibility,” said Republican Caucus Chairman John Ford. “We recognize the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead of us, and we are committed to working together in bringing positive reforms to Oklahoma.”

Major policy initiatives proposed by Senate Republicans include:

Establishing a more fair and equitable tax system and responsible budgeting practices in Oklahoma government;

Ensuring sufficient funding for our state’s infrastructure, particularly the roads and bridges which will allow our business climate to grow and prosper, and protect the safety of commuters across the state;

Protecting Oklahoma families through more affordable healthcare options and providing access to top quality healthcare to all Oklahomans;

Shoring up the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement system for all present and future educators in the system, allowing us to attract and keep better teachers for generations to come, and providing more local control and and great choice for school boards and parents;

Improving our legal system and business climate by reforming our Workers Compensation system and continuing the charge to reform our tort process, thereby lowering costs, creating jobs, attracting more physicians and protecting the rights of all Oklahomans.

The 2009 legislative session begins Monday, February 2, and runs through the last Friday in May.

The November elections gave Republicans a majority in the State Senate for the first time in State history with a total of 26 members.

Oklahoma State Senate to Convene on Tuesday

The Oklahoma State Senate will formally convene for its first meeting of the 2009 session at noon on Tuesday, January 6th. Members will formally elect Senator Glenn Coffee as Senate President Pro Tempore for the 2009-2010 legislative sessions.

This marks the first time in state history that Republicans have held the majority of seats in the upper chamber.

The Senate will also vote to install Paul Ziriax as Secretary of the Senate and the State Election Board, and will adopt rules for the 52nd Legislature.

After conducting its business, the Senate will adjourn until Monday, February 2nd.

Democrats House Complete Leadership Team

Oklahoma State House Democratic Floor Leader Mike Brown (left), D-Tahlequah, today announced the selection of additional Democratic floor leadership positions for the 52nd Legislature.

Those named include Whip: Ben Sherrer, D-Chouteau; Deputy Floor Leaders: Wes Hilliard, D-Sulphur; Jerry McPeak, D-Warner; Assistant Floor Leaders: Wallace Collins, D-Norman; Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner; Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; Jeannie McDaniel, D- Tulsa; Larry Glenn, D-Miami.

Speaker Names Committee Vice Chairmen

House Speaker Chris Benge expanded his group of committee leaders by announcing his vice chairmen today. Six Democrats are included.

The vice-chairmen will work side-by-side with the House committee chairmen, who were announced last week.

“I am confident our committee vice chairmen, from both parties, will use their expertise in varying issue areas to pass needed legislation to continue to move our state forward,” said Benge, R-Tulsa

Republicans hold the majority in the House 61-40 members. Committee membership will be named at a later date. The 52nd Legislature is set to convene Feb. 2, 2009.

The House Committee Vice Chairs for the
2009 session are:

Administrative Rules & Agency Oversight:
Vice Chairman
Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee

Agriculture & Rural Development:
Vice Chairman
Rep. John Enns, R-Enid

Common Education:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City

Economic Development and Financial Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City

Energy & Utility Regulation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa

General Government:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan

Government Modernization:
Vice Chairman
Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso

Higher Education & Career Tech:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman

Human Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner

International Relations & Tourism:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Purcy Walker, D-Elk City

Judiciary:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Fred Jordan, R-Jenks

Public Health & Social Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso

Public Safety & Homeland Security:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville

Rules:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid

Transportation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Charlie Joyner, R-Midwest City

Veterans and Military Affairs:
Vice Chairman
Rep. John Carey, D-Durant

Wildlife:
Vice Chairman
Rep. R.C. Pruett, D-Antlers

Appropriations and Budget Committee and Subcommittee Vice Chairmen include:

Appropriations & Budget Committee:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman

A&B Subcommittees vice chairmen are

Appropriations Subcommittee Education:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville

Appropriations Subcommittee
General Government & Transportation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon

Appropriations Subcommittee Health:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore

Appropriations Subcommittee
Human Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond

Appropriations Subcommittee
Judiciary & Public Safety:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa

Appropriations Subcommittee
Natural Resources & Regulatory:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow

Appropriations Subcommittee
Revenue & Taxation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Neil Brannon, D-Arkoma

Speaker Benge Names Chairmen and Cuts Committees

House Speaker Chris Benge announced today a streamlining of the House Committee structure and named committee chairmen.

Last session, the House operated with 10 standing committees and 26 subcommittees.

Speaker Benge, in an effort to further streamline the committee structure, announced today that there will be 18 full standing committees in the House and seven budget subcommittees when the 52nd Legislature returns in February.

“This committee structure will allow for a better allocation of staff and member time and resources,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “The changes will help both members and the public better understand where a bill stands at any given time.”

Speaker Benge also named his committee chairmen today.

“The Oklahoma voters confirmed they approve of our pro-growth, pro-family values leadership by increasing our Republican majority in the House,” said Benge. “I am confident these committee chairmen will continue to push legislation good for the people of Oklahoma while continuing to reform government, restrain spending with fiscally conservative economic policies, and protect Oklahoma’s traditional values.”

The House committees and committee chairs
for the 2009 session:

Administrative Rules & Agency Oversight:
Chairman Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow

Agriculture & Rural Development:
Chairman Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon

Common Education:
Chairman Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton

Economic Development and Financial Services:
Chairman Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa

Energy & Utility Regulation:
Chairman Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City

General Government:
Chairman Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Purcell

Government Modernization:
Chairman Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie

Higher Education & Career Tech:
Chairman Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada

Human Services:
Chairman Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa

International Relations & Tourism:
Chairman Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh

Judiciary: Chairman Rep.
Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs

Public Health & Social Services:
Chairman Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow

Public Safety & Homeland Security:
Chairman Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa

Rules:
Chairman Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell

Transportation:
Chairman Rep. T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton

Veterans and Military Affairs:
Chairman Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City

Wildlife:
Chairman Rep. Phil Richardson, R-Minco

Appropriations and Budget Committee
and Subcommittee chairmen:

Appropriations & Budget Committee:
Chairman Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond

A&B Subcommittees and chairmen:

Appropriations Subcommittee on Education:
Chairman Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing

Appropriations Subcommittee on
General Government & Transportation:
Chairman Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City

Appropriations Subcommittee on Health:
Chairman Dr. Doug Cox, R-Grove

Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services:
Chairman Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa

Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary & Public Safety: Chairman Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore

Appropriations Subcommittee on
Natural Resources & Regulatory:
Chairman Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman

Appropriations Subcommittee on Revenue & Taxation:
Chairman Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Dacoma

Republicans hold the majority in the House 61-40 members. Committee membership and vice-chairmen will be named at a later date. The 52nd Legislature is set to convene Feb. 2, 2009.