Oklahoman
The Oklahoma Legislature on Thursday concluded its regular 2021 legislative session after lawmakers passed a state budget for the upcoming fiscal year and sent a record number of bills to Gov. Kevin Stitt s desk.
But like so many items voted on by the legislature, opinions about the session were divided on party lines.
Republican legislative leaders praised the accomplishments of their supermajorities in both chambers. Democrats, on the other hand, were critical of many policy priorities pursued by their colleagues across the aisle.
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, called this session the most comprehensive, policy-focused session in the nine years he s served in the legislature. Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, called it his most successful session yet.
Oklahoman
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday signed legislation Republican state lawmakers say will allow Oklahoma to push back against federal overreach.
Stitt signed House Bill 1236 that allows the Oklahoma Legislature to ask the state s attorney general to review and evaluate the legality of federal actions, including executive orders from President Joe Biden.
If the attorney general declines to review the constitutionality of presidential executive orders, acts of Congress or federal agency rules, Oklahoma s GOP-led Legislature could seek judicial review of federal actions if a majority of state lawmakers approve.
The legislature and the attorney general s office will review federal actions to determine if they violate the 10th Amendment.
Oklahoma Senate want framework for Stitt s Medicaid managed care oklahoman.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from oklahoman.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Oklahoman
A new law gives the Oklahoma Legislature some say in how state agencies, boards and commissions spend federal stimulus funds.
The law that had bipartisan support among legislative leaders prohibits state entities and offices within the executive branch from spending federal stimulus funds on long-term or recurring costs without legislative approval.
Gov. Kevin Stitt allowed HB 2932 to become law Monday without his signature, the first piece of legislation he declined to act on this year. The governor s office did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment.
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who co-authored the legislation from House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, previously said he believes the Stitt administration will be welcoming to legislative input in the future.