A basic breakdown of the issues our legislators will begin debating Monday
The 2020 legislative session begins 12:30 p.m. Monday with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State speech.
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With tighter budgets, legislative elections on the horizon and the ongoing dispute between Stitt and tribes over gambling compacts, it promises to be a challenging session.
The session ends May 29.
Here is a breakdown on some key issues for the upcoming session as well a look at what might pass and fail.
Gaming
The proposal
Lawmakers could consider some changes to gaming laws, such as letting tribes offer sports betting or allowing commercial casinos into the state.
Background
Gov. Kevin Stitt is embroiled in a legal dispute with tribes over their compacts and is seeking higher exclusivity fees. Tribes are willing to discuss rates only if Stitt agrees that the compacts automatically renew. The issue is now before a federal court.
Will it pass
Unknown. It is not clear whether there is a will among lawmakers to expand gaming or let a commercial operator come into the state to compete with tribes. Many lawmakers have tribes or gaming facilities in their districts.
— By Barbara Hoberock, Tulsa World
Related: Tribal gaming 101: What you need to know about Oklahoma tribal gaming
Virtual charter schools
The proposal
Legislators want a better accounting of the state-funded virtual charter schools. More than 40 bills were filed for this session, with more possible, in an effort to get a handle on the burgeoning sector. Measures offered include reduced state funding, restrictions on non-instructional spending and attempts to separate the schools from private vendors supplying curriculum and services.
Background
Virtual charter schools are not the only education issue on lawmakers' radar this session, but it is an emotional one. Defenders of the schools say they've offered a valuable alternative to other education options, while critics say test results indicate otherwise. There is also controversy about the schools' finances, especially Oklahoma City-based Epic Charter School.
Will it pass
Lawmakers will likely do something to give the state more control over the operation and finances of virtual charter schools.
— By Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World
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Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a proposal to force students in Oklahoma’s Promise to pay back higher education institutions if they don’t graduate in six years.
Criminal justice reform
Among the first projects of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center will be an examination of misdemeanor classifications and fines and looking at some post-conviction cases at the Pardon and Parole Board. Mike Simons/Tulsa World
Medicaid expansion
The proposal
There isn’t one. Gov. Kevin Stitt has been promising something to counter the initiative petition referendum headed for the ballot but has yet to produce it. The referendum, which Stitt has not yet scheduled for a statewide vote, would require the state to implement Medicaid expansion under the terms of the Affordable Care Act. Stitt and legislators, particularly on the Republican side, have been trying to formulate an alternative plan to extend health insurance to low-income Oklahomans.
Background
Oklahoma’s political leadership steadfastly refused “Obamacare” despite growing support in recent years for some sort of extended low-income health insurance program. When the Legislature failed to act, an initiative petition campaign produced more than enough signatures to get the issue on the ballot. Republicans are worried that it will not only pass, but could impact this year’s state elections.
Will it pass
The governor and the lawmakers, and especially the majority Republicans, want to control whatever happens, which means they really want to come up with something that will work and will defuse support for the initiative petition — which observers think probably will get the approval of voters if the governor and Legislature don’t act.
— By Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World
Gubernatorial control
The proposal
Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to continue consolidating authority under the Governor’s Office. He was able to gain an unprecedented level of control over state agencies in his first year in office, and this year he is expected to continue pressing the issue. Specifically, he wants more control over the education system, especially common education and the state’s colleges and universities, but both likely would require constitutional amendments.
With State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister term-limited, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Stitt back a movement to make that office appointed instead of elected.
Background
More than any governor, Stitt sees himself as a chief executive officer and puts the operation of state government in the context of the business world. He has been quick to undercut potential power rivals and forced out several longtime agency heads.
Will it pass
The Legislature gave Stitt just about everything he wanted last year, but friction began to manifest itself near the end of the session. Whether lawmakers will continue surrendering power to the governor will be one of the interesting things to watch this session.
— By Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World
Oklahoma legislators filed 2,243 bills and resolutions for the 2020 session.
Oklahoma's legislative session begins Monday. Here's a look at lawmakers from the Tulsa area, plus contact information.
Stitt will address such topics as government transparency, health care, criminal justice reform, transportation and more.