Your quick guide to the Oklahoma legislative session: The issues, leaders, salaries and more
The legislative session began Monday, and more than 2,800 pieces of legislation have been filed. The laws that are passed will affect your life. This is a quick guide to the session, but if you want more information, click on the links included below. (Editor's note: The number of new House members has been corrected from its original publication. The correct number is 46.)
If you are interested in contacting a lawmaker, click here for tips on the best ways to communicate with them.
When does the session start and end?
The state’s 57th legislative session opens Feb. 4, when Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his first State of the State address. It must conclude by May 31. Legislative sessions last two years.
Who is the controlling party?
Republicans control the governor’s office, along with the House and Senate by wide margins. Republicans hold 116 of the 149 seats in the two chambers.
How many people are in the House?
101. There are 77 Republicans and 24 Democrats. (Representatives are elected every two years.)
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How many people are in the Senate?
48. There are 39 Republicans and 9 Democrats. (Senators are elected every four years.)
How many new members are in the House and Senate?
The 2018 election season produced significant change. There are 56 legislators new to the House and Senate.
House: 46
Senate: 10*
* Does not include two Senate members, John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton, and George Young, D-Oklahoma City, who served in the House last year.
How many men and women?
House: 79 men, 22 women.
Senate: 39 men, 9 women.
Who are the leaders this session?
Governor: Kevin Stitt, R-Tulsa
Speaker of the House: Rep. Charles McCall, R-Atoka.
Senate President Pro Tem: Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
House Minority Leader: Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman.
Senate Minority Leader: Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.
How much are the salaries?
How much money will there be for appropriations this session?
About $8 billion is expected to be available this session. The equalization board will announce the official total soon. Appropriations aren’t the entire budget, but it’s the money that lawmakers control (and debate how to spend). A year ago, the Legislature’s appropriated budget was $7.545 billion.
Who gets the most money in the appropriated budget?
Here were the top 10 appropriations in the last fiscal year. The number in parentheses reflects the percentage of the total appropriated budget. For example, common education received the most, and it was 38.6 percent of the total appropriated budget.
What are some of the bills that have been filed?
There are more than 2,800 bills and joint resolutions. They cover a wide range of topics. A few:
* What legal consequences could teachers face if they go on strike?
* Will you be able to legally drive 80 mph on toll roads?
* Can you legally carry a gun without any training?
* Will abortion be classified as a homicide?
Click here for a quick look at some of the bills that have been filed.
How can I contact my legislator?
How to contact your Tulsa-area lawmakers in the Legislature
Meet the new Oklahoma Legislature members Find a list of legislators, how to reach them by phone or email and more information:
Senate: oksenate.gov 405-524-0126
House: okhouse.gov 405-521-2711 or 800-522-8502 To email your senator, click here. To email your representative, click here. If you don’t know who your senator or representative is, click here.
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