FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Lucky Lamons
Capitol: (405) 557-7390
Sand Springs: (918) 584-3731

Lawmakers Seeks State Campaign Finance Reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 6) - Recent controversy over the fundraising activities of federal lawmakers has led one Oklahoma state lawmaker to renew his call for state campaign finance reform.

"The investigations of congressional leaders in both the Senate and the House show the need for Oklahoma to crack down on how state elected officials fund their campaigns," said State Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Sand Springs.

House Bill 2014, by Lamons, is based on Texas law and prohibits fundraising during the legislative session and during the 30 days prior-to and immediately following the session. The bill would prevent elected officials from receiving any contributions beginning 30 days before the legislative session and ending 30 days after the conclusion of the session.

Oklahoma's legislative session normally runs from the first week of February to the end of May, meaning Lamons' bill would effectively ban fundraising from January through June of each year.

"This bill would assure the public that elected officials are voting based on the content of a bill and not the amount of a check," Lamons said.

As a 20-year police veteran, Lamons said he was used to seeing vigorous investigations whenever an officer was engaged in any activity that even appeared improper. He said state legislators should be held to the same standard.

"Elected officials need to be beyond reproach and eliminate the appearance that they might be for sale," Lamons said. "House Bill 2014 would do that by preventing any member of the House of Representatives or state Senate from receiving money during session."

The ban on contributions would apply to any member of the Oklahoma Legislature, any candidate committee or legislative caucus.

Violations of the proposed law would result in misdemeanor charges. Those convicted could be forced to pay damages to the state in an amount triple the value of the unlawful contribution.

Lamons filed a similar bill last year, but it did not receive a hearing. With the current controversy in Washington, D.C., he said there may be more support in the 2006 legislative session.

"When it comes to potential ethical accusations, I think it would be in our best interest to stop any speculation before it even gets started," Lamons said.

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