House Media Division
A measure that would substantially change the way the Legislature operates passed unanimously out of the House Rules Committee today.
House Joint Resolution 1003, by state Rep. Randy Grau, would place a state question on the November ballot that, if approved, would allow the Legislature to consider substantive measures only during even-numbered years. The resolution would allow the Legislature to continue considering appropriations and budget bills on an annual basis.
“My goal is to make our legislative system more efficient, transparent and accountable for the people of Oklahoma,” said Grau, R-Edmond. “We pass far too many bills in the Legislature and devote far too little time to considering how to spend taxpayers’ money. I think we owe our citizens more than that.
“This is an idea that I have discussed often with constituents and my colleagues in the Legislature, and the feedback I get is always positive. I think our citizens should have the opportunity to have their voices heard in November.”
Under the resolution, in odd-numbered years, the Legislature would only consider appropriations and budget bills, which would allow the Legislature to implement a comprehensive review of agency budgets and would give members more time for input, consideration and debate of the state budget. The Legislature could only consider substantive bills during even-numbered years, which would reduce the number of laws that are passed.
“Somehow, we have all developed this mindset that the Legislature has to pass a lot of laws every year or we have been ‘unproductive,’” said Grau. “Our system of government was intentionally designed to make it really hard to pass laws, because every time a new law is passed or a new administrative rule or regulation is promulgated, citizens have less freedom than they did before.”
HJR 1003 now heads to the Calendar Committee to be scheduled for consideration on the House floor.
This is a good idea, but I suggest doing budget only bills in even numbered years. Otherwise we’ll see political posturing on non-fiscal matters in election years.
Terrible idea. Closed and shut.
Considering only a handful of legislators even write the budget, having a session that focuses solely on the budget should mean more legislators can represent their constituents at the budget table.
Emphatically agree with Al Broderick!
How about going even further and only meeting in even-number years?