Oklahoma Senate Bill SB409

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Officers; officers subject to removal; adding officers and employees subject to removal. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB409 would significantly widen the scope of officer removal processes within local government units in Oklahoma. The bill's provisions would allow for the additional removal of officials such as school superintendents, city managers, and deputy county commissioners. This change may facilitate more efficient governance by providing additional accountability mechanisms at various levels of state and local governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 409 proposes amendments to Section 91 of Title 51 of the Oklahoma Statutes, expanding the definitions of officers subject to removal from office. This includes not only state officers not subject to impeachment but also encompasses county, city, municipal, and school board officers, both elected and appointed. The bill aims to update the statutory references and clarify the processes involved in the removal of these officials.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB409 could emerge from the implications it has for local autonomy and governance. While proponents argue that it strengthens accountability in governmental office, critics may view it as an encroachment on local control. Specifically, there could be concerns about the potential for political motivations to influence removal processes, which might lead to instability within local government structures and could undermine public confidence in local leadership.