Oklahoma House Bill HB1809

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

State government; requiring members of the Legislature to attend certain educational training institute; effective date.

Impact

The implementation of HB1809 is anticipated to significantly improve the competency and readiness of new legislators as they assume their roles in the government. By fostering a deeper understanding of critical legislative processes and ethical standards, this bill seeks to equip lawmakers with the necessary tools to effectively manage their responsibilities. Furthermore, successful completion of the training results in a certificate, which is an essential credential confirming legislators' commitment to their roles and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Summary

House Bill 1809 mandates that all newly elected members of the Oklahoma Legislature attend a designated educational training institute within one year of taking office. This requirement aims to enhance the knowledge and effectiveness of legislators by providing them with essential training in various aspects of state governance, including budget requirements, ethics, meeting procedures, and bill drafting. The course will total twenty hours and will be conducted in coordination with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, ensuring a rigorous and structured approach to continuing education in state government.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB1809 is the stipulation that failure to complete the educational requirements will render a member ineligible to file for re-election. This provision has sparked discussions regarding the accountability of legislators and the extent of mandatory requirements placed upon them. Critics might argue that such mandates could impose unnecessary burdens on incoming members, particularly those who may already possess relevant knowledge and experience. However, proponents assert that standardized training is vital for maintaining high ethical standards and legislative efficiency among all members.