56th Oklahoma Legislature explained

Oklahoma Legislature
Legislature:	56th Oklahoma Legislature
Coa Pic:	Seal of Oklahoma.svg
Coa Res:	150px
Coa Caption:	Seal of Oklahoma
House Type:	Bicameral
Houses:	Senate House of Representatives
Term Limits:	12 years total
Preceded By:	55th
Succeeded By:	57th
New Session:	January 3, 2017
Leader1 Type:	President of the Senate
Party1:	(R)
Election1:	January 10, 2011
Leader2 Type:	President Pro Tem of the Senate
Leader2:	Mike Schulz
Party2:	(R)
Election2:	January 3, 2017
Leader4 Type:	Speaker of the House
Leader4:	Charles McCall
Party4:	(R)
Election4:	January 3, 2017
Seats:	48 Senate 101 House
House1:	Senate
House2:	House
Political Groups1:	Republican (40) Democrat (8)
Political Groups2:	Republican (75) Democrat (26)
Authority:	Article V, Oklahoma Constitution
Salary:	$38,400
Last Election1:	November 8, 2016
Next Election1:	November 6, 2018
Session Room:	Oklahoma State Capitol.jpg
Meeting Place:	Oklahoma State Capitol Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Fifty-sixth Oklahoma Legislature was the most recent meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It met in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from January 3, 2017, to January 3, 2019, during the final two years of the second administration of Governor Mary Fallin. The November 2016 elections maintained Republican control of both the House and Senate.

Dates of sessions

• Organizational day: January 3, 2017
• First session: February 2-May 22, 2017
• First extraordinary session: September 25, 2017
• Second extraordinary session: December 18, 2017
• Second session: February 5-May 25, 2018

Previous: 55th Legislature • Next: 57th Legislature

Major legislation

2017 Legislative Session

• Criminal Justice - SB603 mandates the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to create individualized case plans for each offender
• Education - HB1693 revised Oklahoma's A-F school grading system to comply with federal law
• Education - SB301 expands the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program
• Public Health - HB1703 expands pregnancy resource centers
• Public Health - HB2039 authorizes prescriptions of Naloxone to combat state's opioid crisis
• Taxation - SB845 raises the state tax on cigarettes by $1.50 per pack to $2.53 per pack
• Taxation - HB2433 raises the state tax on motor vehicle by extending a portion of state sales tax to include motor vehicle purchases
• Drivers License - HB1845 brings Oklahoma into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act
• Drivers License - SB643 eliminates Oklahoma's administrative hearing procedure for revocation of drivers licenses
• Crime and Punishment - HB1468 expands time limits for prosecution of sex crimes against children
• Taxation - HB2298 eliminates tax credits for wind industry
• Energy - SB867 expand ability for oil companies to conduct horizontal drilling
• Tourism - SB872 transfer ownership of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum from the state to the city of Oklahoma City
• Taxation - SB120 extends tax credits for aerospace industry

2017 First Special Session

Following the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling the tax increases found in SB845 unconstitutional, Governor Mary Fallin issued, later amended by, to convene a special meeting of the Oklahoma Legislature. Pursuant to Section 7 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution, the Governor recommended the legislature adopt the following matters:

• Address the budget shortfall associated with the loss of revenue from the unconstitutionality of SB845
• Increase pay for public teachers
• Increase pay for public employees
• Provide supplemental funding for the Oklahoma State Department of Health

2017 Second Special Session

Following her veto of the amended fiscal year 2018 Oklahoma state budget, Governor Mary Fallin issued Executive Order 2017-43,^[1] later amended by subsequent order^[2] and again by an additional subsequent order,^[3] to convene a special meeting of the Oklahoma Legislature. Pursuant to Section 7 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution, the Governor recommended the Legislature:

• • Provided supplemental funding for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Adopt wide-ranging tax increases and elimination of tax deductions and credits
• Authorize expanded gambling by Native American tribes
• Grant the Governor greater appointment powers over Executive agencies
• Increase pay for public teachers

Subsequent Events

• On August 10, 2017, the Oklahoma Supreme Court, in the case of Naifeh v. Oklahoma ex rel Oklahoma Tax Commission, ruled 7-2 that SB845 violated the Oklahoma Constitution's tax raising clause by failing to obtain the super-majority of votes in the legislature needed to raise taxes. SB845 had sought to raise the tax on cigarettes in an attempt to balance the fiscal year 2018 Oklahoma state budget. The legislature had classified the measure as a "fee" as opposed to a "tax" but the Court disagreed with such classified. Without the revenues from the bill, the state budget lost over $200 million in anticipated revenue, forcing Governor Mary Fallin to convene an extraordinary session of the legislature to revise the budget.
• On August 31, 2017, the Oklahoma Supreme Court, in the case of Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association v. Oklahoma ex rel Oklahoma Tax Commission, ruled 5-4 that HB2433 did not violate the Oklahoma Constitution's tax raising clause. HB2433 eliminated an exemption under the current state sales tax code which excluded motor vehicle purchases from the tax. By removing the exemption, the legislature did not raise a tax for the purposes of the Constitution's tax raising clause and therefore was not required to obtain the super-majority of votes in the legislature needed to raise taxes.
• On December 19, 2017, the Oklahoma Supreme Court, in the case of Hunsucher v. Fallin, ruled 5-4 that SB643 unconstitutional under the Oklahoma Constitution's single-subject clause and Due Process Clause. SB643 eliminated Oklahoma's administrative hearings procedures for revocation of drivers licenses and allowed the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to revoke the license without granting the affected driver a hearing before the Department or an administrative opportunity to object.

Leadership

Since the Republican Party holds the majority of seats in both the Oklahoma Senate and Oklahoma House of Representatives, they hold the top leadership positions in both chambers.

In Oklahoma, the lieutenant governor serves as President of the Oklahoma Senate, meaning that he serves as the presiding officer in ceremonial instances and can provide a tie-breaking vote. Todd Lamb serves as the current Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. The current President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, who presides over the state senate on the majority of session days is Mike Schulz of Altus. He is aided by Majority Floor Leader Greg Treat of Oklahoma City. The Democratic minority leader of the state senate is John Sparks of Norman. Paul Ziriax serves as the Secretary of the Oklahoma Senate.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives is led by Speaker Charles McCall of Atoka. He is aided by Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols of Oklahoma City. The Democratic minority leader is Steve Kouplen of Beggs. Joel Kintsel serves as Chief Clerk of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Membership

Senate

40	8
Republican	Democrat

Summary

Affiliation	Party (Shading indicates majority caucus)		Total
	Republican	Democratic
End of previous legislature		38	10	48
Begin		40	8	48
Latest voting share

Changes in Membership

• March 27, 2017 Ralph Shortey (R) resigned from representing SD-44 after being charged with three felonies relating to soliciting prostitution from a male minor.
• April 27, 2017 Kyle Loveless (R) resigns from representing SD-45 following a embezzlement investigation into his campaigns.
• July 11, 2017 Michael Brooks-Jimenez (D) takes office representing SD-44 filling the vacant seat left by Ralph Shortey's resignation. (Democratic gain)
• September 12, 2017 Bryce Marlatt (R) resigned from representing SD-27 after being charged with felony sexual battery.
• November 22, 2017 Paul Rosino (R) takes office representing SD-45 filling the vacant seat left by Kyle Loveless's resignation.
• January 31, 2018- Dan Newberry (R) resigned from representing SD-37 in order to accept a position with Tulsa Teacher's Credit Union.
• February 2018- Allison Ikley-Freeman (D) takes office representing SD-37 filing the vacant seat left by Dan Newberry.
• February 26, 2018 Casey Murdock (R) takes office representing SD-27 filing the vacant seat left by Bryce Marlatt's resignation.

Members

District	Name	Party	Hometown	Occupation	First Elected	Seat Up
Lt. Gov		Rep	Enid		2011	2018
1	Micheal Bergstrom	Rep	Adair	Teacher	2016	2020
2	Marty Quinn	Rep	Claremore	Insurance Agent	2014	2018
3	Wayne Shaw	Rep	Grove	Pastor	2012	2020
4	Mark Allen	Rep	Spiro	Businessman	2010	2018
5	Joseph Silk	Rep	Broken Bow	Real Estate	2014	2018
6	Josh Brecheen	Rep	Coalgate	motivational speaker	2010	2018
7	Larry Boggs	Rep	Wilburton	Rancher	2012	2020
8	Roger Thompson	Rep	Okemah	Journalist	2014	2018
9	Dewayne Pemberton	Rep	Muskogee	Teacher	2016	2020
10	Eddie Fields	Rep			2010	2018
11	Kevin Matthews	Dem	Tulsa	Firefighter	2014†	2018
12	James Leewright	Rep	Bristow	Businessman	2015†	2020
13	Greg McCortney	Rep	Ada	Businessman	2016	2020
14	Frank Simpson	Rep	Springer	Pastor	2010	2018
15	Rob Standridge	Rep	Norman	Pharmacist	2012	2020
16	John Sparks	Dem			2006	2018
17	Ron Sharp	Rep	Shawnee	Teacher	2012	2020
18	Kim David	Rep	Porter	Real Estate	2010	2018
19	Roland Pederson	Rep	Burlington	Rancher	2016	2020
20		Rep			2012	2018
21	Tom J. Dugger	Rep	Stillwater	Accountant	2016	2020
22	Stephanie Bice	Rep	Oklahoma City	Businessman	2014	2018
23	Lonnie Paxton	Rep	Tuttle	Insurance Agent	2016	2020
24	Anthony Sykes	Rep	Moore	attorney	2006	2018
25	Joe Newhouse	Rep	Broken Arrow	Real Estate	2016	2020
26	Darcy Jech	Rep	Kingfisher	Insurance Agent	2014	2018
27	Bryce Marlatt (until September 12, 2017) Casey Murdock (after February 26, 2018)				2009/2018†	2018
28	Jason Smalley	Rep	Stroud	Businessman	2014	2018
29	Julie Daniels	Rep	Bartlesville	Attorney	2016	2020
30	David Holt	Rep	Oklahoma City		2010	2018
31	Chris Kidd	Rep	Waurika	Rancher	2016	2020
32	Randy Bass	Rep		Baseball	2005	2018
33	Nathan Dahm	Rep	Broken Arrow	Software Developer	2012	2020
34	J.J. Dossett	Dem	Owasso	Teacher	2016†	2020
35	Gary Stanislawski	Rep	Tulsa	Financial Advisor	2008	2020 (term limited)
36	Bill Brown	Rep		Insurance Industry	2006	2018
37	Dan Newberry (R) (Until September 12, 2017) Allison Ikley-Freeman (After January 31, 2018)	Dem	Tulsa	Therapist	2008/2017†	2020
38	Mike Schulz	Rep			2006	2018
39	Dave Rader	Rep	Tulsa	Businessman	2016	2020
40	Ervin Yen	Rep	Oklahoma City	Doctor	2014	2018
41	Adam Pugh	Rep	Edmond	Businessman	2016	2020
42	Jack Fry	Rep			2014	2018
43	Paul Scott	Rep	Duncan	Businessman	2016	2020
44	Ralph Shortey (R) (Until March 27, 2017) Michael Brooks-Jimenez (After July 11, 2017)	Dem	Oklahoma City	Attorney	2010/2017†	2020
45	Kyle Loveless (before April 27, 2017) Paul Rosino (after November 22, 2017)	Rep	Oklahoma City	Real Estate	2012/2017†	2020
46	Kay Floyd	Dem	Oklahoma City	Attorney	2014	2018
47	Greg Treat	Rep	Oklahoma City	Campaign Strategist	2011	2018
48	Anastasia Pittman	Dem	Oklahoma City		2014	2018

†Elected in a special election

House

75	26
Republican	Democrat

Affiliation	Party (Shading indicates majority caucus)		Total
	Republican	Democratic
End of previous legislature		71	30	101
Begin		75	26	101
Latest voting share

Changes in membership

• December 31, 2016- Tom Newell (R) resigned from representing HD-28 to accept a private sector job, leaving the seat vacant at the beginning of the session.^[4]
• February 4, 2017- Dan Kirby (R) resigned from representing HD-75 after sexual assault allegations by his former legislative assistant came to light and the legislature scheduled a vote on his expulsion. Kirby's resignation before the vote prevented him from potentially becoming the first member of the state legislature ever to be expelled.^[5]
• April 15, 2017- David Brumbaugh (R) died leaving HD-76's seat vacant.^[6]
• May 31, 2017- Scott Martin (R) resigned from representing HD-46 to lead the Norman Chamber of Commerce.^[7]
• July 20, 2017- Karen Gaddis (D) takes office representing HD-75 filling the vacancy left by Dan Kirby's resignation. (Democratic flip)^[8]
• September 20, 2017-Jacob Rosecrants (D) takes office representing HD-46 filling the vacancy left by Scott Martin's resignation. (Democratic flip)^[9]
• November 28, 2017- Ross Ford (R) takes office representing HD-76 filling the vacancy left by David Brumbaugh's death.^[10]
• 2017- Zack Taylor (R) takes office representing HD-28 filling the vacancy left by Tom Newell.^[11]

Members

Name	District	Party	City	First elected
	1	Dem		2014
	2	Rep		2010
	3	Rep		2016
	4	Dem		2016
	5	Rep		2016
	6	Dem		2006
	7	Dem		2014
	8	Rep		2016
	9	Rep		2014
	10	Rep		2014
	11	Rep		2006
	12	Rep		2016
	13	Rep		2016
	14	Rep		2014
	15	Dem		2006
	16	Rep		2016
	17	Dem		2006
	18	Dem		2010
	19	Rep		2016
	20	Rep		2012
	21	Rep		2010
	22	Rep	Atoka	2012
	23	Rep		2013
	24	Dem		2008
	25	Rep		2006
	26	Rep		2016
	27	Rep		2010
Zack Taylor (after May 2017)	28	Rep		2017
	29	Rep		2016
	30	Rep		2016
	31	Rep		2006
	32	Rep		2014
	33	Rep		2016
	34	Dem		2008
	35	Rep		2010
	36	Rep		2010
	37	Rep		2010
	38	Rep		2014
	39	Rep		2016
	40	Rep		2014
	41	Rep		2006
	42	Rep		2016
	43	Rep		2014
	44	Dem		2010
	45	Dem		2014
Scott Martin (Until May 31, 2017) (R) Jacob Rosecrants (After September 20, 2017)	46	Rep then Dem (flipped during session)		2017
	47	Rep		2008
	48	Rep		2008
	49	Rep		2010
	50	Rep		2006
	51	Rep		2012
	52	Rep		2008
	53	Rep		2012
	54	Rep		2016
	55	Rep		2009
	56	Dem		2012
	57	Rep		2008
	58	Rep		2016
Mike Sanders	59	Rep		2008
	60	Rep		2016
	61	Rep		2014
	62	Rep		2014
	63	Rep		2014
Rande Worthen	64	Rep		2016
	65	Dem		2014
	66	Rep		2010
	67	Rep		2016
	68	Rep		2010
	69	Rep		2014
	70	Rep		2016
	71	Rep		2012
	72	Dem		2016
	73	Dem		2015
	74	Rep		2016
Dan Kirby (R) (until February 4, 2017) Karen Gaddis (after July 20, 2017)	75	Dem		2017
David Brumbaugh (until April 15, 2017) Ross Ford (after November 28, 2017)	76	Rep		2017
	77	Dem		2006
	78	Dem		2016
	79	Rep		2006
	80	Rep		2008
	81	Rep		2016
	82	Rep		2014
	83	Rep		2006
	84	Rep		2016
Cyndi Munson	85	Dem		2015
	86	Dem	Stilwell	2010
	87	Dem		2016
	88	Dem		2014
	89	Dem		2014
	90	Rep		2012
	91	Rep		2014
	92	Dem		2016
	93	Rep		2016
	94	Dem		2006
	95	Rep		2016
	96	Rep		2008
	97	Dem		2016
	98	Rep	Tulsa	2014
	99	Dem		2014
	100	Rep		2010
	101	Rep		2016

External links

• Oklahoma Legislature Homepage
• State of Oklahoma's Website
• Legislative Bill Tracking Website

Notes and References

1. Web site: 1791.pdf.
2. Web site: 1799.pdf.
3. Web site: 1803.pdf.
4. News: State Representative Tom Newell Announces Resignation . 9 August 2022 . News on 6 . 2 December 2016.
5. News: Hoberock . Barbara . Update: Rep. Dan Kirby resigns amid sexual harassment controversy . 9 August 2022 . Tulsa World . 5 February 2017.
6. News: Oklahoma State Rep. David Brumbaugh dies . 9 August 2022 . 2 News Oklahoma . 15 April 2017.
7. News: Denwalt . Dale . Oklahoma state rep leaving seat for Norman Chamber . 9 August 2022 . The Oklahoman . 20 March 2017.
8. News: Hoberock . Barbara . Karen Gaddis sworn into the Oklahoma House after winning special election . 9 August 2022 . Tulsa World . 20 July 2017.
9. News: Denwalt . Dale . Democrats win special election in Norman . 9 August 2022 . The Oklahoman . 12 September 2017.
10. Web site: Ross Ford (Oklahoma) . ballotpedia.org . Ballotpedia . 9 August 2022.
11. News: Savage . Tres . Dan Newberry resigns from Oklahoma State Senate . 9 August 2022 . NonDoc . 6 June 2017.