Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, has filed three bills she says are aimed at giving voters a direct voice in decisions about pay raises for legislators and statewide elected officials. Jenkins said she introduced the three pieces of legislation after the Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board met in executive session late last year before approving recent pay raises for legislators and statewide elected officials. "I have stood by my word and have chosen to take decisive action after the deeply troubling actions by the Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board," Jenkins said. "I do not believe the current law was designed to allow this type of closed-door meeting." House Joint Resolution 1047 would allow voters to approve or reject the recently approved raises for legislators and public officials. The measure would also freeze legislative pay at the Nov. 1, 2025, level unless voters approve any future increases. House Bill 3093 would amend the Open Meeting Act by clarifying the limited circumstances under which public bodies may meet in executive session. The bill specifies that executive sessions would only be used to discuss individual officers or employees who are, were or will be under the direct supervision, employment or appointment of the public body holding the session. Jenkins said the change is intended to prevent the compensation board from meeting in executive session to discuss salaries for legislators and statewide elected officials. "This clarification makes it clear that executive sessions are not a loophole for boards to shield broad compensation decisions from public view," Jenkins said. "The compensation board should not be allowed to meet behind closed doors to decide the pay of officials who are not its employees." House Bill 3092 , titled the Stop the Salary Spike Act, would nullify the raises recently approved by the board for legislators and statewide elected officials and restore salaries to the amounts in effect on Nov. 1, 2025. Last month, Jenkins sent a formal letter to Attorney General Gentner Drummond requesting an opinion on whether the board violated Oklahoma’s Open Meeting Act by entering executive session before voting on the raises. "Under state law, executive sessions are permitted only for limited purposes, including discussion of employees’ salaries, but legislators and statewide officials are not employees of the board," Jenkins said. "I hope the attorney general will agree and reverse their unfortunate actions, but I also believe it is important for the Legislature to do its part and leave no doubt." The Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board is a constitutionally created body with exclusive authority to set legislative pay. Every two years, the board reviews legislative compensation, and any change takes effect following the next general election. "For decades, Oklahoma has ranked among the highest-paying part-time legislatures in the nation, yet it routinely trails other states in key performance indicators including infrastructure, education outcomes, public health, and economic mobility," Jenkins said. "In Oklahoma, it is clear that legislative pay has a reverse correlation with government performance. When compensation keeps rising, but results keep falling, it tells you something is broken. Public service has to be about service, not self-reward." Jenkins also stated that she will not accept the raise if it takes effect and plans to donate the funds to a House District 33 crisis-pregnancy clinic. "If this raise takes effect, I will not keep it," Jenkins said. "Every dollar will be donated to a House District 33 crisis-pregnancy clinic, organizations that actually serve people in their moment of greatest need." HJR1047, HB3093 and HB3092 are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create a temporary sales tax exemption on fireworks as Oklahoma and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. House Bill 4093 would establish a four-day, tax-free period for the sale of fireworks beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 2. and ending at midnight July 5. The exemption is intended to coincide with Independence Day celebrations marking America’s semiquincentennial. "This is a historic milestone for our country, and it deserves to be celebrated in a big way," Norwood said. "Fireworks are part of how families and communities come together on Independence Day, and this bill helps make it easier for all Oklahomans to celebrate with a tax-free weekend." The measure defines fireworks as any combustible or explosive item sold to the general public for producing a visible or audible effect and directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission to promulgate rules necessary to implement the exemption. Norwood said the legislation is meant to honor the nation’s history while encouraging shared moments of celebration. "There is something special about watching fireworks on the Fourth of July," Norwood said. "They represent joy, freedom and the sacrifices that made this country possible, and I want families across Oklahoma to fully enjoy that experience as we mark 250 years of independence." If approved, the bill would take effect July 1, ensuring the exemption is in place for the Independence Day holiday period. HB4093 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, has filed a bill that would make it easier for 100% veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses to maintain property tax exemptions when moving to a new home. While Oklahoma law allows these exemptions to transfer when a veteran relocates, gaps in the current process can cause the exemption to remain with the property instead of following the veteran. As a result, families can temporarily lose the exemption and face unexpected tax bills during the transition. House Bill 4278 would address that issue by directing the Oklahoma Tax Commission to create a standard form for county assessors and treasurers. Veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses would use the form after a real estate closing to confirm prior eligibility and ensure the exemption carries over to a new homestead. County officials would verify the information and update property assessments accordingly. "Veterans have already given so much in service to our country," Miller said. "This bill would help make sure they don't have to jump through unnecessary hurdles to receive these tax exemptions, that are already existing in law. By solidifying a standardized process, we’re providing certainty and a mechanism that ensure the portability of the benefit stays with the veteran.” The bill would also call for county assessors and treasurers to take steps to send ad valorem tax bills to previous homeowners if exemptions delayed billing. This bill would protect veteran's benefits while reducing administrative delays and confusion in the property tax process. HB4278 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.