Oklahoma Constitution Article V: LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
Oklahoma Constitution – Article V: Legislative Department – Summary
Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution establishes the Legislative Department, detailing the structure, powers, procedures, and limitations of the Oklahoma State Legislature. Here's a summarized breakdown:
1. Structure of the Legislature
Bicameral Legislature: Consists of two houses:
Senate
House of Representatives
Membership:
Senate: Number and apportionment determined by law.
House: Based on population; minimum 44 and maximum 99 members.
2. Legislative Sessions
Regular Sessions: Begin annually on the first Monday in February.
Special Sessions: Can be called by the Governor or by a 2/3 vote of each house.
3. Powers and Duties
Pass laws, levy taxes, appropriate funds, and regulate state agencies.
Impeachment powers: The House can impeach; the Senate conducts the trial.
Investigative powers over state agencies and public officials.
4. Elections and Terms
Representatives serve 2-year terms.
Senators serve 4-year terms, staggered so half are elected every 2 years.
Must be U.S. citizens, Oklahoma residents, and meet age/residency requirements.
5. Legislative Procedures
Quorum: Majority of each house required to conduct business.
Bills must be read on three different days unless suspended by a 2/3 vote.
Enacting Clause: Every law must begin with "Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Oklahoma".
6. Limitations on Power
No local or special laws where general laws can apply.
Restrictions on increasing legislators’ salaries during their term.
Prohibition of dual office-holding in certain cases.
7. Initiative and Referendum
Citizens can propose laws or constitutional amendments (initiative).
Citizens can challenge laws passed by the Legislature (referendum).
Provides procedures for petition signatures and voting.
8. Legislative Ethics and Disqualifications
Prohibits bribery and conflicts of interest.
Bars legislators from being appointed to civil offices created or given raises during their term.
9. Apportionment
Requires periodic redistricting based on population.
If the Legislature fails to do so, the task passes to a designated commission.
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