Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR13

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Constitutional amendment; making district attorneys subject to impeachment proceedings.

Impact

The implications of SJR13 extend to the principles of government accountability and the integrity of the legal system in Oklahoma. By enabling the impeachment of district attorneys, the bill aims to enhance public trust in the judicial system and ensure that officials are held to high ethical standards. This amendment could serve as a deterrent against potential corruption or neglect of duty, thereby reinforcing the rule of law. However, the bill also raises concerns regarding the potential for political motivations behind impeachment proceedings, which could be used as a tool against officials who may not align with certain political interests.

Summary

SJR13 is a proposed amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that specifically addresses the accountability of district attorneys by subjecting them to impeachment proceedings for various forms of misconduct. This bill seeks to amend Section 1 of Article VIII by including district attorneys alongside other elected state officials like the Governor and Justices of the Supreme Court, thereby broadening the scope of who can be impeached for offenses such as corruption, willful neglect of duty, and any acts of moral turpitude committed in office. This change is significant as it establishes a clearer mechanism for holding these officials accountable for misconduct.

Contention

While the broadening of impeachment powers to include district attorneys is intended to strengthen oversight, it may also create contention among legislators and political actors. Critics may argue that this could lead to an increased likelihood of frivolous or politically motivated impeachment attempts, thus contributing to instability within the judicial system. Additionally, there may be discussions around ensuring that the parameters for impeachment are clearly defined to prevent misuse of this provision against district attorneys for non-criminal conduct. The balance between accountability and political maneuvering will likely be a focal point of debate as the bill progresses.