Gann warns on unprecedented 'bonus' vote taken by House, dangers of setting new policy

Rep.-Tom Gann Issues Statement on Bonus Vote of SB224 and Warns of the Dangers of Setting New Policy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2nd) – Representative Tom Gann (R-Inola) released the following statement on the unprecedented bonus vote taken by the House on Thursday on Senate Bill 224. 

"On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Representative Kyle Hilbert, Speaker of the House, took actions regarding SB224 that did not align with the House Rules of the 60th Legislature. House rules dictate that once a bill is defeated it is not eligible for additional consideration. The House vote to defeat SB224 was considered final action under the rules."

"However, Hilbert, while presiding over the house allowed an additional bonus vote to occur by which the bill was approved. This breaks with years of clearly established House precedent that prevents never ending bonus votes on failed legislation and opens up a Pandoras box of potential abuse. 

What other bills will be allowed a bonus vote?

Rep. Gann proposes sweeping transparency reforms for State House

Gann Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Restore Transparency to House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 30th) – In a far-reaching, and transformative effort to modernize the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, has sponsored a reform package – House Resolution 1001 – designed to distribute power, promote transparency and reinvigorate the legislative process. His reforms aim to end the culture of opacity and concentration of authority that he says has hindered the chamber's effectiveness for far too long.

“The time has come to ensure the House of Representatives becomes an institution of laws, not of one man,” Gann said. “For years, our legislative process has stagnated, with decisions made behind closed doors and power centralized into the hands of one individual, the House speaker, who is elected by a single House district and not the people of Oklahoma as a whole. In recent years, at best, the House has simply marked time, failing to embrace new transparency measures. At worst, it has regressed, relying on secretive processes controlled by a single person.”

Amid dustup over Treat's insults, Sen. Deevers advocates for Golden Rule, fair Senate reforms

Deevers Continues to Advocate for the Golden Rule Amidst Pro Tem's Insults

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 20th) — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, released the following statement concerning comments made by Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, at a press conference on Tuesday.

“On Tuesday, during an interview with KOCO 5, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat attempted to crawl out of the ad hominem hole he dug by calling Senator Nathan Dahm and me ‘terrorists’ for lawfully advocating for our constituents. His chosen shovel was another defamatory term, ‘toddlers.’

“I had hoped for a higher level of professionalism and decorum rather than resorting to name-calling. Such a leadership style only exposes its own immaturity. Also, it’s important to note that Governor Stitt supported our efforts.

OKGOP Chairman Dahm: Clarity for Unity

OKGOP Chairman Nathan Dahm sent out the following last week, addressing some ongoing drama and disagreement within the grassroots party structure:

'Clarity for Unity'

Pro Tem Treat releases plans for new Senate budget process

Pro Tem Treat Releases Plans for New Senate Budget Process

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 4th) – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the Senate’s plan for more budget transparency and an estimated timeline for the Senate’s new budget proposal.

Brecheen: Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives

Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives

by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla)

Read the full op-ed at TheHill.com

Many Americans were shocked to learn this month about the concentrated power in the House of Representatives that undermines our constitutional republic. Since 2016, the Speaker of the House has allowed zero votes on floor-offered amendments, unless they were pre-screened. Instead, members of Congress were forced to vote “yes” or “no” on legislation, often being forced to swallow wasteful, pork-ridden provisions that were buried inside bills.  

Rep. Cole tapped to chair powerful House Rules Committee, Rep. Lucas leading Science, Space, and Tech

Oklahoma's two most senior members of the United States House of Representatives have been tapped to head up House committees. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) will chair the powerful House Rules Committee, while Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03) will chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Lankford responds to Schumer's Senate Rules threat

Lankford Responds to Schumer's Senate Rules Threat

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on Senator Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) threat to override Senate rules to bend to his progressive legislative agenda:

“Schumer’s threat to change the rules of the Senate unless he gets his way is not just a temper tantrum; it is a threat to our Republic. For over two centuries, the Senate is the one place in our government where minority opinions have a voice, unless Senator Schumer gets his way. In 2017, 32 Senate Democrats signed a letter saying that the filibuster should not change—27 of those Democrats are still in the Senate. Now that they are in power, they want to do whatever it takes to pass their progressive legislative agenda by changing the historic rules of our Republic.

Oklahoma Democrats fail in effort to remove gender language from House Rules

Oklahoma Democrats seek removal of gender language

by Ray Carter - Director, Center for Independent Journalism

(January 5, 2021) Democratic members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives called for elimination of gender-specific language in the House’s operating rules during that chamber’s organizational meeting on Tuesday.

Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, authored the gender-language amendment to House Resolution 1001, saying it is part of an effort to make Oklahoma “an equitable” and “truly representative” state.

Turner’s amendment called for “removing all gender-based pronouns or gender-based references wherever those references appear in the House Rules and replacing or substituting those references with gender-neutral language.”

Turner is the first Muslim elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and self-describes as “gender non-conforming.”

State Rep. Gann: Legislative proxy voting is reckless and dangerous

Administrative Rules Chairman Tom Gann Issues Statement on Proposal to Allow Legislators to Vote by "Proxy"

INOLA – State Rep. Tom Gann (R- Inola) issued the following statement in response to the plan to allow legislators to consider and vote on bills without being present at the Capitol:

"The Oklahoma Constitution requires a quorum of legislators to be present to consider legislation. This important provision was wisely designed by our states' founders. It prevents the many evils that would arise if legislators were making policy without direct participation in the lawmaking process that impacts those we serve.

If I am well, showing no symptoms and do not have Covid-19, I will perform my duty as an elected official of the House of Representatives from House District 8. I will travel to the Capitol and cast my vote personally. I will not use a proxy. Proxy voting is not what I was elected to do.

The 'proxy' voting proposal is unnecessary and reckless to our constitutional form of government. A bill or measure voted under implementation of this plan could be challenged in a court of law, and a dangerous precedent could be set to allow proxy voting from here on out.

We have a representative form of government where each member of the house is a proxy already for approximately 38,000 people. We have no authority to delegate that responsibility to one or two individuals.

Our Constitution is clear that we are to be present for votes and debate if needed, to the point that even law enforcement cannot detain us en route to fulfill our duty.

If the person delegated to be a proxy is able to travel to the capitol to cast votes if they are well, why would I not be able to cast my own vote if I am well? 

There are many others in our society who by virtue of their jobs cannot call it in, nor use a proxy and forsake their duty.

I will fulfill my duty according to the State Constitution I swore an oath to and be present to vote and represent the 8th House District of Oklahoma.

I understand and appreciate the necessity to reduce the risks of exposure and virus spread by limiting the number of legislative events. We are under very unique circumstances with the outbreak of Covid-19.

Because of these circumstances, the Legislature should forgo the consideration of many of the unnecessary proposals remaining and focus mostly on the Constitution's requirement to create a state budget. Because of this situation, only the state budget rises to the level of absolute necessity during this particular time in the session.

There is ample time to consider the budget before the Constitution mandates the end of the legislative session in late May, and it is anticipated that the spread of the virus will have peaked by that time."

OKGOP State Convention information

From OKGOP Chair Pam Pollard:

We're just a few days away from the 2016 Oklahoma Republican Convention, and time is running out to register and get your Gala tickets, all of which can be done by clicking here.

We'll have some exciting convention events including the following:

Friday (at the Skirvin)
Delegate check-in – 1:00pm-7:00pm
Breakout #1 – 1:30-2:30pm (Choose one)
     -Data! Data! Data! Real World Instructions for GOP Data Center
     -Conservative Politics and Education Policy
Breakout #2 – 2:30-3:30pm (Choose one)
     -Media and Messaging
     -Local Party Fundraising
State Committee Meeting – 4:00pm
Reception/Photo Op with Carly Fiorina – 6:00PM ($100 )
Gala with Carly Fiorina – 7:00PM (Dinner only: $150, Couples $275)

Saturday (at Moore First Baptist) 
Delegate check-in – 7:00am-9:00am (delegates not in line by 9am will not be credentialed)
Prayer Breakfast – 7:30AM: Dr. Tom Vineyard, Pastor, Windsor Hills Baptist Church will lead the Prayer Breakfast celebrating the 68th anniversary of Israel's statehood.
Convention Begins – 9:00AM
Buffet BBQ lunch – 12:30PM: Grammy Award winning singer, Jody Miller
Convention Adjourns – 5:00PM

For full details on the convention agenda, click here. Also you'll find more information about the Friday night Gala Dinner with Carly Fiorina and the Convention details the following day by clicking here.

Additionally, you will find links below for essential information regarding the proceedings at the convention.

• Proposed State Convention Rules
• Proposed State Party Platform
• State Party Rules Amendments
• Current OKGOP Party Rules
• 2016 National Delegate Slate

House Study Examines Administrative Rules Process

House Study Examines Administrative Rules Process

OKLAHOMA CITY - On Wednesday, Rep. George Faught held an Interim Study with the House Committee on Administrative Rules to discuss options for streamlining and improving the Administrative Rules Process. The committee heard testimony from several state agencies and industry stakeholders who expressed concerns about the current method of proposing and reviewing the rules, including the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the State Department of Education, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the Corporation Commission.

Since resuming his position as Chairman of the committee, Rep. Faught noticed serious flaws in the process currently in statute, including confusing and uncertain timelines concerning rule approval dates. While the members of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives Committee on Administrative Rules work diligently throughout the legislative session to personally discuss and review the rules with state agencies and interested parties, the effectiveness of legislative oversight is minimal. Under the current system, the legislature must pass a single resolution, encompassing all agencies rules submitted prior to April 1st, which declares all rules approved and notes any disapproved rules.

For the past two years, the legislature has failed to pass such a resolution. This inaction negates the work of the committee and cedes legislative oversight authority to the Governor. With insight from all perspectives, Rep. Faught plans on proposing legislation to revise the Administrative Procedures Act and repair the current, flawed process.

Rep. Faught said, “We have heard from the members of the legislature, our state agencies, and the people we serve. We realize the system is broken and we can improve it. I commend the Administrative Rules Committee for their tireless work. I am confident that in conjunction with the Senate, we can reach a solution that will enable the legislature to exercise its authority in protecting the people and ensuring more efficient government.”

Governor Fallin Signs Measure Requiring Legislative Approval of Rules Changes

Governor Fallin Signs Measure Requiring Legislative Approval of Rules Changes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin has signed into law House Bill 1044, a measure requiring legislative approval of rules changes related to fee increases and scope of practice issues.  The bill was signed into law Thursday.

HB 1044 by Rep. George Faught of Muskogee and Sen. Anthony Sykes of Moore requires legislative approval of any rule that establishes or increases fees or any rule by an agency, board or commission created by or that receives authority from Title 59, relating to professions and occupations.  If the legislature fails to approve the rule by the last day of the session, the rule is deemed “disapproved.”

In her State of the State address, the governor called for more scrutiny of new rules and regulations.

“In my State of the State address, I pointed out the need for a thorough review of new rules and regulations to ensure they achieve their intended goals and do not create more bureaucratic hurdles to growth,” Fallin said. “I commend the Legislature for sending me HB 1044 which will give us another tool as we work to make our government operate more efficiently.”

Faught said, “I am very pleased to see the governor’s signature on this legislation. It is time for true accountability for agencies and boards and this is a huge step. I commend the governor and her understanding of the importance of this legislation.”

MUST READ: Senate Prohibits Future Congresses from Changing 'Death Panels' w/o Supermajority

This is a must-read post from RedState's Erick Erickson:

If ever the people of the United States rise up and fight over passage of Obamacare, Harry Reid must be remembered as the man who sacrificed the dignity of his office for a few pieces of silver. The rules of fair play that have kept the basic integrity of the Republic alive have died with Harry Reid. Reid has slipped in a provision into the health care legislation prohibiting future Congresses from changing any regulations imposed on Americans by the Independent Medical Advisory Boards, which are commonly called the “Death Panels.”

It was Reid leading the Democrats who ignored 200 years of Senate precedents to rule that Senator Sanders could withdraw his amendment while it was being read.

It was Reid leading the Democrats who has determined again and again over the past few days that hundreds of years of accumulated Senate parliamentary rulings have no bearing on the health care vote.

On December 21, 2009, however, Harry Reid sold out the Republic in toto.

Upon examination of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment to the health care legislation, Senators discovered section 3403. That section changes the rules of the United States Senate.

To change the rules of the United States Senate, there must be sixty-seven votes.

Section 3403 of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment requires that “it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.” The good news is that this only applies to one section of the Obamacare legislation. The bad news is that it applies to regulations imposed on doctors and patients by the Independent Medical Advisory Boards aka the Death Panels.

Section 3403 of Senator Reid’s legislation also states, “Notwithstanding rule XV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a committee amendment described in subparagraph (A) may include matter not within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Finance if that matter is relevant to a proposal contained in the bill submitted under subsection (c)(3).” In short, it sets up a rule to ignore another Senate rule.

Senator Jim DeMint confronted the Democrats over Reid’s language. In the past, the Senate Parliamentarian has repeatedly determined that any legislation that also changes the internal standing rules of the Senate must have a two-thirds vote to pass because to change Senate rules, a two-thirds vote is required. Today, the Senate President, acting on the advice of the Senate Parliamentarian, ruled that these rules changes are actually just procedural changes and, despite what the actual words of the legislation say, are not rules changes. Therefore, a two-thirds vote is not needed in contravention to longstanding Senate precedent.

The rest of this post can be read here.