Plain Language
A member of the Legislature cannot stop another member from having at least three of their bills heard each year (six per legislative session). To start the process, the main author of the bill must notify the Legislature in writing or by email that they want the bill to be heard in committee. If the committee approves the bill, and the author notifies the Legislature again in writing or by email that they want to move the bill forward, the Legislature must schedule the bill for a hearing on the House or Senate floor.
If a member breaks this rule, they must pay a $10,000 fine for the first offense. If the member breaks the rule a second time, the Legislature must expel them.
The Legislature must not allow candidates to use campaign funds to pay any fines, penalties, or other costs from breaking this law.
This rule cannot be suspended.
Legal Language
Insert the following language into the Oklahoma State Constitution:
Article V, Section 30A
Legislative Bill Hearing Rights and Accountability Enforcement
(A) Guaranteed Bill Hearing Rights
1. Each duly elected member of the Oklahoma Legislature shall have the right to have no fewer than three (3) of their own authored bills heard in committee during each regular legislative year, and no fewer than six (6) of their own authored bills heard during each full regular legislative session. This right shall not be affected or reduced by any requests the member may make, or that may be made to them, regarding the hearing of bills originating in the opposite legislative chamber.
2. Upon written or electronic request by a member of the Legislature, any bill authored by that member and assigned to a committee within their respective chamber shall be scheduled for a hearing. If the bill is approved by a majority vote of the committee, and the requesting member submits written or electronic notice of intent to proceed, the bill shall be placed on the floor calendar of that chamber for consideration and a final vote.
3. If the bill passes its chamber of origin and is transmitted to the opposite chamber, and a member of that chamber submits a written or electronic request for committee consideration, the receiving chamber shall follow the same process set forth in subsection (A)(2).
4. The provisions of this section apply equally to House Bills and Senate Bills.
5. A bill shall be deemed “heard” once it has been placed on the agenda and considered, either in committee or on the floor.
(B) Penalties for Violations
1. Any member of the Legislature who violates any provision of Section (A) of this amendment shall pay a civil penalty of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the first violation.
2. Upon a second confirmed violation, the member shall be expelled from the legislative chamber in which they serve.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article V, Section 30 of the Oklahoma Constitution, a second violation of Section (A) of this amendment shall constitute automatic grounds for expulsion, and shall not require a two-thirds vote of the members of the applicable legislative chamber.
4. Penalties for Violation of Section (A) of this amendment shall be cumulative across legislative sessions and membership in both houses.
(C) Use of Campaign Funds
No elected member of the Oklahoma Legislature shall use campaign funds to pay any fines, penalties, or related expenses incurred as a result of violating any provision of this law. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission shall have the authority to enforce this provision.
(D) Suspension of Rule
The Legislature shall not suspend any provision of this law.
(E) Supremacy and Interpretation
1. This amendment is self-executing and shall supersede any inconsistent provision of the Oklahoma Constitution, including but not limited to Article V, Section 30, solely for the purposes of enforcement of expulsion under Section (B)(2) of this amendment.
2. This amendment shall not otherwise limit or impair the Legislature’s authority to establish its rules or procedures, except as specifically provided herein.
