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Legislation requiring candidates filing with the Oklahoma State Election Board and any county election board in Oklahoma to provide documentation of their citizenship has been approved by the House.
House Bill 1329, by state Rep. Mike Ritze, would require prospective candidates to provide a birth certificate showing U.S. citizenship, a non-birth U.S. citizenship certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a passport in order to file. U.S. presidential and vice presidential candidates would not be able to use either certificate of naturalization or passport. It would also make those documents subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
“I think that it would be a travesty for a non-citizen to get elected to a government position,” Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, said. “I also think that it puts aside any doubts by those who would question a legitimate candidate. It is a common-sense bill and I am glad to see the House pass it.”
House Bill 1329 now awaits a hearing in the Senate.
Legislation allowing the placement of a privately funded Ten Commandments monument at the Oklahoma Capitol is headed to the state Senate.
House Bill 1330, by state Rep. Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow), would create the “Ten Commandments Monument Display Act.” The bill would allow for a Ten Commandments monument to be displayed on the Capitol grounds in accordance with existing U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
“The Ten Commandments are a foundation for modern law and this monument will recognize their contribution to our society,” said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “Acknowledgments of the role played by the Ten Commandments in our nation's heritage are common throughout America and may lawfully be included among the historical displays on the Capitol grounds.”
Under the bill, the monument would be privately funded and no taxpayer expenditures would be required.
House Bill 1330 notes that the Ten Commandments are “an important component of the moral foundation of the laws and legal system of the United States of America and of the State of Oklahoma” but also states that the monument “shall not be construed to mean that the State of Oklahoma favors any particular religion or denomination …” House Bill 1330 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on an 88-6 vote. It now proceeds to the state Senate.
Oklahomans would be allowed to carry a visible rifle, shotgun or pistol without a handgun license under a bill filed by state Rep. Mike Ritze.
“In Oklahoma, carrying a rifle or shotgun in your pickup is an accepted practice and most Oklahomans believe they should have the right to carry their guns openly if they have not been convicted of a crime,” by Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “I hope my fellow lawmakers will approve this bill in committee. It is an affirmation of their belief in our Second Amendment rights.”
House Bill 1414 specifies that the firearm would have to be carried in a belt holster, a scabbard or a case designed for carrying firearms that is “wholly or partially visible.” Currently, Oklahomans by law may carry an unloaded, visible rifle, shotgun or pistol to hunt, in a class, at a sporting event or in a police or military function without a handgun license.
“I believe House Bill 1414 will make it crystal clear that you can have a hunting rifle in your vehicle under most circumstances,” Ritze said.
Ritze noted that he planned to support several gun bills filed by other lawmakers during the 2009 legislative session including a bill that would create lifetime concealed carry licenses.
“Oklahomans oppose most gun restrictions with the exception of preventing convicted felons from purchasing firearms,” Ritze said. “The Second Amendment guarantees our right to bear arms, however, and as I was elected to uphold our rights, I will do my best to eliminate gun restrictions I see as unreasonably restrictive.”
Legislation allowing the placement of a privately funded Ten Commandments monument at the Oklahoma Capitol received committee approval today.
House Bill 1330, by state Rep. Mike Ritze, would create the “Ten Commandments Monument Display Act.” The bill would allow for a Ten Commandments monument to be displayed on the Capitol grounds in accordance with existing U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
“The Ten Commandments laid the foundation for modern law and their importance in the development of our legal system should be recognized,” said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “The monument is in no way an endorsement of any religion, but simply acknowledges the roots of our system of justice in this state and country.”
Under the bill, the monument would be privately funded and no taxpayer expenditures would be required.
House Bill 1330 notes that the Ten Commandments are “an important component of the moral foundation of the laws and legal system of the United States of America and of the State of Oklahoma” but also states that the monument “shall not be construed to mean that the State of Oklahoma favors any particular religion or denomination …”
“Some critics have argued the budget shortfall makes all other legislation a ‘distraction’ this year,” Ritze said. “I am confident lawmakers are capable of passing a simple Ten Commandments bill and also writing a state budget.
Furthermore, it is ridiculous to suggest that Oklahomans cannot honor our state’s history in years when tax revenues decline, especially if there is no new expenditure of tax dollars required.”
House Bill 1330 passed out of the House General Government Committee and now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
State Rep. Mike Ritze, Bill Would Require Proof of U.S. Citizenship to Run for Elected Office in Oklahoma.
Anyone who wants to place their name on an election ballot in Oklahoma would be required to show proof of citizenship under a bill proposed by freshman state Rep. Mike Ritze.
Ritze plans on introducing the measure during the upcoming legislative session that would require all candidates for elected office, including the U.S. Presidency, to provide a copy of a certified birth certificate and a drivers license or some other form of government issued identification at the time they file with the Oklahoma Election Board. Those running for a state office would be required to show they are a citizen of Oklahoma.
"Both our national and state constitutions are clear in what they require for a person to be qualified to hold elected office," said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. "If a person can't prove their citizenship, they have no business attempting to represent the people of this state. This bill would require anyone who wants to run for election in Oklahoma, whether they are running to become the United States President or to sit on their local school board, to prove they are a United States citizen."
Legislation requiring candidates filing with the Oklahoma State Election Board and any county election board in Oklahoma to provide documentation of their citizenship has been approved by the House.
