The Oklahoma House on Monday voted to censure Representative Dean Davis after body cam video revealed he tried to use legislative privilege to get out of an arrest in Oklahoma City. Davis recently apologized for creating a “distraction” for the Legislature. (Details of Davis’ arrest can be found in this Tulsa World story link)
The censure means Davis has been stripped of his committee assignments. To return to committee work, Dean will have to make a public apology to both the arresting agency (Oklahoma City Police Department) and his fellow lawmakers.
House Speaker Charles McCall says censuring any House member is serious business.
“As a body, the House of Representatives and its members must hold ourselves to a high standard, and Rep. Davis’ conduct did not live up to that standard. The decision to censure a member of the House is not one that is made easily or carelessly, but is made when it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the House of Representatives and the trust of the great people of the state of Oklahoma in their government. The House of Representatives has nothing but the utmost respect for the members of our law enforcement community, and we expect the members of our body to exemplify that in their dealings with law enforcement,” said McCall.
House Minority Leader Representative Cyndi Munson agrees and hopes that Davis is able to correct course.
“When a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives violates the law they must be held accountable. The video from the Representative’s arrest shows that he was 
detained related to intoxication and attempted to use his position as an elected official to avoid facing consequences. It appears he needs to seek help and I sincerely hope he does.
As members of the House of Representatives, we are not are above the law and we must protect the public safety of all people. It is incumbent upon us to continue to hold members who violate the law accountable,” said Munson.
