Members of the Legislature dealt with several major issues in the 1997 session, including regulation of pig farms, restructuring of the electric utility industry, telecommunications, welfare reform, restrictions on consumer loans, and higher education tuition increases. 

Regulation of the growing hog and poultry industries topped the legislative agenda along with revisions to the Truth In Sentencing law, tax reductions, and pay raises for state troopers and other state employees. Delivery of higher education services to the Tulsa metropolitan area was a major issue of interest and concern

The 47th Oklahoma Legislature convened on January 5, 1999, for organizational purposes. The roll call of members elected to the Senate in November included four new members: Senators Coffee, Crutchfield, Johnson, and Pruitt.

The 2nd Session of the 47th Legislature convened on February 7, 2000. The Senate introduced 801 bills and 22 joint resolutions and the House introduced 882 bills and 33 joint resolutions for consideration during the 2nd Session. An additional 1,096 Senate and House bills and 45 Senate and House joint resolutions carried over from the first session and were available for action as well

The 48th Oklahoma Legislature convened on January 2, 2001, for organizational purposes. The roll call of members elected to the Senate in November included three new members: Senators Jonathan Nichols, Jim Reynolds, and Nancy Riley