By Catherine Roberts
Oklahoma City, Okla. – A state Supreme Court referee hears arguments today on a lawsuit filed by Jerry Fent challenging the collection of a portion of professional license fees into the Oklahoma general fund.
Current statutes require that 10 percent of fees on licenses issued by 18 professional boards and commissions be transferred to the fund, which pays for state government functions like schools and prisons. According to the lawsuit, more than $2.1 million was collected into the general fund as a result of this practice.
Fent challenges the law based on his contention that it unconstitutionally taxes people's right to work.