Oklahoma lawmakers have started the process of striking several proposed ethics rules.
House Joint Resolution 1029 specifically rejects a two-year “cooling off” period for lawmakers and some state employees before becoming lobbyists. Rep. John Paul Jordan said the commission is overstepping its authority.
"The Ethics Commission does not have the ability – or should not have the ability – to regulate the employment of a private citizen. That is not in the state constitution," Jordan said.
Lawmakers are also disapproving a rule requiring them to put leftover campaign funds toward the special election replacing them if they leave office early and one allowing the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to send compliance orders via e-mail.
Rep. Johnny Tadlock is among those saying state agencies don’t have the power to tell lawmakers what to do and that their constituents hold them responsible for their actions while in office.
"With whatever state agency it is, we’re the ones that run this House. We’re the ones," Tadlock said.
Rep. Shane Stone said he wrote a list of every constituent of his who would benefit if he voted yes on the measure.
"Mr. Speaker, I’m going to read the whole list to you," Stone said during debate on the resolution. "Shane Stone. That’s it."
The resolution’s passage comes on the heels of the ethics commission chair accusing lawmakers of illegally cutting his budget.
