Proposal to Modernize State Constitution Clears Senate Committee Hurdle

The Oklahoma Constitution is one of the longest state charters in the U.S., and Senator Joe Newhouse wants to see if Oklahomans are ready to modernize it. Senate Joint Resolution 31 would ask voters if they want to call a Constitutional Convention to make changes. It hasn’t been reviewed since it was written in 1906.

The Senate Rules Committee gave it unanimous approval this week.

“We have one of the longest state constitutions in the nation, and it’s filled with archaic topics and concerns that are no longer relevant in today’s world,” Newhouse said. “The document references communication via telegram, spells out the flash point and gravity of kerosene, and even elaborates against railroad monopolies. At one point in history those were important issues, but I think it’s safe to say our state has changed with the times and our constitution hasn’t.”

The Oklahoma Constitution actually calls for a vote of the people every 20 years to decide if it should be revised. It has been 50 years since the Legislature proposed asking the voters for a constitutional revision.

“Oklahoma is transforming to become a Top 10 state,” Newhouse said. “Modernizing our constitution, removing antiquated language and allowing our government to become more efficient for our citizens is vital to ensure our state is successful for years to come. Now is the time to make our state constitution work for us.”


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