Senate, House Send Tag Agency Reform to Governor

The State Legislature did its part in reforming the tag agency patronage system by giving bipartisan support to Senate Bill 888. The Governor will now decide the outcome of such reform.

Through President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee’s Senate Bill 888, lawmakers are prohibited from recommending tag agents to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC). Traditionally, Oklahoma State Senators made suggestions to the OTC of individuals they thought should hold the position of tag agent, and the OTC would follow their counsel. Now under SB 888, the Oklahoma Tax Commission will directly appoint tag agents.

Oklahoma and Tulsa counties have significantly succeeded out from under the patronage system for many years.

“Reforming state government has been a top priority for Senate Republicans, and today we see yet another success in this effort,” said Pro Tem Coffee. “Tag agencies across the state have unfortunately been subject to a patronage system that prevented professionalism in their appointment and management procedures. We have worked to put an end to this patronage, and I encourage the Governor to join us in bringing it to a painless, peaceful conclusion with his signature.”

Senate Bill 888 passed the Senate with a 39-6 vote and the House with a 93-6 vote. It will now go to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.