Pro Tem Paxton Secures Passage of Legislation to Repeal Obsolete and Duplicative Commissions to Streamline Government

OKLAHOMA CITY – Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today advanced legislation to eliminate outdated and redundant government commissions, reinforcing the state’s commitment to efficiency and responsible governance.

Senate Bill 676 repeals various statutory provisions establishing commissions that are no longer active or necessary. The bill removes obsolete references in state law, reducing bureaucratic redundancy. The bill passed 9-0 out of the Senate's Retirement and Government Resources Committee. 

"This legislation is a step toward a leaner, more accountable government," Pro Tem Paxton said. "By eliminating commissions that no longer serve a functional purpose, we are ensuring taxpayer dollars are directed toward essential services rather than unnecessary administrative structures. Many of these commissions haven’t met in years or are duplicative and could be handled by the agency they report to. I remain committed to streamlining government operations and eliminating inefficiencies while ensuring necessary services are maintained. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for advancing this measure."

The repealed commissions under Senate Bill 676 include:

• Advisory Committee of the South-Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact

The 1953 multi-state compact is no longer necessary and redundant on duties undertaken by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies.

• The Oklahoma Suicide Prevention Council

The council’s sunset date was effective in 2020 and stopped meeting. Removing this council from statute does not impact how the state provides funding or resources for suicide prevention.

• The Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Advisory Council

Created in 2004, the EITA is duplicative of federal law and other state statutes that have been enacted since its inception. The council’s sunset date was July 1, 2020.

• The Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts

The purview of the Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts is under the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and no longer necessary in statute.  

• The Permanent Legislative Liaison Committee

This committee is duplicative of the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and other positions within the legislature. No meetings or agendas are posted.  

• The Staff Review Committee of the Senate

This committee is unnecessary as internal policies have been implemented for annual staff reviews by division directors. The committee does not currently meet.  

By repealing these sections, Senate Bill 676 ensures that Oklahoma's laws remain relevant and aligned with the state's evolving priorities.