State Legislature Sends Henry Bill Banning Lobbyist Contributions During Legislative Session

The Oklahoma State Senate voted 47 to 0 in favor of an ethics reform bill today, sending House Bill 2196 to Gov. Henry’s desk. Earlier in the day, the House of Representatives voted 90 to 6 for the bill.

HB 2196 bans campaign contributions from lobbyists and lobbyist principals during regular legislative sessions. The ban applies to contributions to the campaigns of state legislators and candidates for a state legislative office.

House Bill 2196 is authored by Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, and Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

“This is a giant step forward for clean and open government,” Dank said. “It puts some important distance between giving money and passing legislation. We finally succeeded in separating the lawmaking process from campaign cash. I am less worried about Granny Smith sending ten dollars to her legislator than I am with deep-pocket lobbyists giving big bucks to the same people who are considering their bills.”

“Senate Republicans are strong advocates for openness and accountability in state government. Banning lobbyist campaign contributions during the legislative session is a very positive reform that can help improve the faith the people of Oklahoma have in their elected representatives at the State Capitol,” stated Coffee. “I appreciate Rep. Dank’s hard work to develop a bipartisan consensus for House Bill 2196.”