Oklahoma House Bill HJR1001

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Constitutional amendment; requiring certain vote of people to change compensation of members of the Legislature; ballot title; directing filing.

Impact

If HJR1001 is enacted, it will fundamentally alter how legislative compensation is determined in Oklahoma. By mandating that any recommendations from the Board for changes in compensation be subject to a public referendum, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the legislature. This significant shift will ensure that the electorate has a direct say in how their representatives are compensated, effectively giving the public greater control over legislative financial practices.

Summary

HJR1001 is a Joint Resolution introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature that seeks to amend Section 21 of Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution. The core aim of this bill is to establish a process that requires any changes to the compensation of state legislators to be put to a public vote. A newly created Board on Legislative Compensation will be responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to legislators' pay. This Board will consist of appointees with diverse backgrounds, ensuring that no current legislators can serve on it to maintain independence and public trust.

Contention

Notably, there could be points of contention surrounding this bill. Proponents argue that HJR1001 promotes democracy by ensuring that any compensation adjustments undergo public scrutiny, thereby preventing potential conflicts of interest among legislators. However, opponents might highlight concerns about the practicality and efficiency of having all pay changes decided by referendum, which could lead to complications and delays in the legislative process. Additionally, there may be debates about what constitutes an appropriate level of compensation for public servants, and how the Board's makeup might influence decisions based on the varying interests of its appointed members.