The Senate Rules Committee wasted no time getting three state agency accountability bills through its process. On Thursday, House Bill 2479, House Bill 2480, and House Bill 2483 were given a “do pass” by committee members.
These measures give the governor hiring and firing power over agency heads. It also provides legislative leaders and the governor with more influence over those agencies’ boards.
HB 2479 makes the changes to the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA). HB 2480 does the same for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). The vehicle for the changes at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSS) is HB 2483. Those bills won House approval earlier this week.
“The outdated and antiquated system now protects the status quo. Agency directors are only accountable to a board of unelected bureaucrats. It’s time for that to change. Our government accountability measures are a huge accomplishment and will help us reshape state government for the better. I appreciate the members of the Senate Rules Committee who supported these important bills and look forward to moving them soon of the Senate floor,” Treat said.
The trio of bills are expected on the Senate Floor next week.
