The Latest in Oklahoma: November 22, 2024
A&A Advocates
Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, was elected Speaker Pro Tempore-Elect for Oklahoma’s 60th Legislature, set to begin in 2025. Moore, a House member since 2020, has focused on conservative priorities like tax cuts, education, and Second Amendment rights. As Speaker Pro Tempore, he will assist in managing House business and serve on all committees. The 60th Legislature convenes on February 3, 2025. On a similar note, the Oklahoma House Republican caucus elected leadership for the 60th Legislature, re-electing Rep. Stan May as Caucus Chair, and selecting Reps. Nick Archer and Josh Cantrell as Vice Chair and Secretary. The full House will vote on Speaker roles on January 7, 2025, ahead of the session starting February 3.
On November 15, 2024, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton to lead “Operation Guardian,” an initiative aimed at removing incarcerated undocumented immigrants from the state. The program seeks to identify and deport individuals in Oklahoma’s correctional facilities who are in the country illegally, thereby reducing the state’s incarceration costs and addressing public safety concerns. This move aligns with broader state efforts to enforce immigration laws and manage the prison population more effectively.
A petition has been filed for Oklahoma State Question 835, which aims to establish open primaries where all voters receive the same ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Currently, voters must declare their party affiliation to receive a corresponding ballot. Opposition is already rising from many political groups and leaders, including Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Senator Markwayne Mullin, and Congressman Kevin Hern. Once the Secretary of State sets a start date, supporters will have 90 days to gather over 172,000 signatures to advance the measure.
2025 Bill Filing
The House and Senate have begun pre-filing bills for the 2025 legislative session. To view the bills pre-filed so far, click this link. All bills must be pre-filed/requested by December 6th. The final filing deadline is January 16.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the Republican caucus has placed in me heading into the 60th Legislature,” Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert said. “Together, we must rise to the occasion of the urgent challenges facing Oklahomans, including the ongoing pinch of inflation, a widening workforce skills gap and much-needed investment in our public infrastructure system, including transportation, water, wastewater and broadband connectivity. Our caucus is ready to make the tough decisions needed to move Oklahoma forward.”