Oklahoma Senate Bill SB989

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Ethics Commission Act; prohibiting use of public funds, property or time to engage in certain lobbying activities. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would have a significant impact on the regulatory structure governing state employees and their involvement in lobbying activities. By explicitly restricting the financial incentives associated with lobbying, supporters of the bill contend that it would limit potential conflicts of interest and promote greater transparency in government operations. The measure aims to foster public confidence in government integrity by delineating clear boundaries surrounding the use of public funds and resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 989 aims to amend the Ethics Commission Act by prohibiting state officers and employees from receiving compensation for lobbying activities beyond what is legally provided for their job positions. The bill also seeks to restrict the use of public funds, property, or time for engaging in legislative or executive lobbying, with certain exceptions outlined by related statutes. The overarching goal of SB989 is to enhance the ethical standards governing lobbying practices within the state of Oklahoma and ensure that public resources are not misused in the lobbying process.

Contention

However, the bill also comes with points of contention, particularly regarding the potential limitations it could impose on legal lobbying efforts conducted for social and community causes. Critics might argue that those advocating for specific interests, especially smaller local organizations or non-profits, could be disadvantaged by the restrictions placed on lobbying practices. Furthermore, the exceptions mentioned within the bill, while they aim to provide necessary allowances, may also lead to ambiguities that could be exploited, necessitating strict oversight and clear definitions to maintain the bill's original intent.