House votes to censure Rep. Dean Davis, strip committees until apology over 'conduct unbecoming'

This afternoon, the State House overwhelmingly voted to censure Rep. Dean Davis and remove him from all committees until he makes a public apology for his actions related to his recent alcohol-fueled arrest.

Around 4pm, at the conclusion of the legislative day and after the House GOP caucused, State Rep. Anthony Moore made the following motion:

Disgrace in the House: Speaker McCall needs to act to quell law-breaking legislator arrogance

Proverbs 20:1 says "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Some argue that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of alcohol, but even the most ardent drunkard has to admit the the Bible has very strong warnings against intoxicating beverages.

One of the less-illustrious members of the Oklahoma Legislature, State Rep. Dean Davis (R-Broken Arrow), is in the news - again - for an alcohol-related arrest - again.

More education bills pass through the State House

At least two more education bills of interest passed the House this week, dealing with professional development and increased pay for large class sizes:

State House passes bill to allow vehicle registration every 2 years

House Passes Davis Bill to Allow Vehicle Registration Every Two Years

OKLAHOMA CITY  (March 6th) – The House on Monday unanimously passed a bill that would allow personal vehicle owners the option of registering their personal vehicles every two years instead of just annually.

State House committee passes bill to allow optional two-year vehicle registration instead of annual

Davis Advances Bill to Allow Vehicle Registration Every Two Years

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14th) – Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow, on Monday won unanimous passage of a bill that would allow personal vehicle owners the option to register every two years instead of annually.

Broken Arrow state rep pleads 'not guilty' to felony DUI

Some might remember that back in August, State Rep. Dean Davis (R-Broken Arrow) was arrested for driving under the influence. He was booked into jail for DUI, speeding, and 'obstructing or interfering with police officer'.

While in jail, Rep. Davis made several phone calls to elected officials, including talking to two fellow House freshmen and leaving a voicemail for Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. He asked his legislator friends to call the sheriff or city police chief to "help him out". He told Rep. T.J. Marti (R-Tulsa) that "This is not going to help Broken Arrow at all because they just made an enemy, and that’s not good at all."

Now, with his political career in peril, Davis is pleading 'not guilty'. From SoonerPolitics.org:

Rep. Dean Davis Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Felony DUI
If Davis is found guilty of a felony, he is immediately expelled from office, by constitutional mandate.

Early last August, freshman lawmaker, Dean Davis of Broken Arrow, was arrested on a dark stretch of road in deep south Broken Arrow. The event was not recorded and Davis refused to provide samples for alcohol toxicity tests.

It's not his first DUI charges, so, DA Steve Kunzweiler filed felony charges, given his previous guilty plea, years ago.

The only solid evidence is the many phone calls Davis made in the few hours after his detainment. Other than that, it'll be a matter of who is more believable, to the district court.  Next court date in Oct. 28th.

The OSCN.net journal records this latest entry:

JUDGE DAVID GUTEN: DEFENDANT PRESENT, NOT IN CUSTODY, AND REPRESENTED BY BRUCE EDGE. ARRAIGNMENT HELD. DEFENDANT WAIVES READING OF THE INFORMATION AND FURTHER TIME TO PLEAD. DEFENDANT ENTERS A PLEA OF NOT GUILTY. PRELIMINARY HEARING SET FOR 10-28-19 @ 9 AM IN 344. BOND TO REMAIN. DEFENDANT RECOGNIZED BACK.

As SoonerPolitics pointed out, the State Constitution pointedly disqualifies felons from holding a legislative seat. If Davis is convicted of a felony, he will be removed from office.

Broken Arrow State Rep. Davis arrested for DUI

State Rep. Dean Davis (R-Broken Arrow) was arrested for a DUI yesterday by Tulsa Police. From KOTV:

Tulsa Police say Davis was seen driving to the left of the center line and speeding. After being pulled over Davis submitted to a sobriety test during which officers say the observed several DUI indicators. Officers say Davis refused to take a breath test and told the officers to speak with their chief.

Davis was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence was taken to the Tulsa County Jail.

A previous representative from District 98, John Trebilcock, was arrested with a similar DUI charge in 2007, when he told the police that he had kissed a woman who had been drinking and was not intoxicated himself.

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