2017 Session Overview
2017 SESSION OVERVIEW The 1st Session of the 56th Oklahoma Legislature convened to organize on January 3, 2017 for the purpose of performing its duties as required in Section 5 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution and organizing pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution. The Legislature reconvened on Monday, February 6, 2017, and adjourned sine die on May 26, 2017, as required in the Oklahoma Constitution. The Senate welcomed thirteen new members: Senators Micheal Bergstrom, Julie Daniels, Tom Dugger, Chris Kidd, James Leewright, Greg McCortney, Joe Newhouse, Lonnie Paxton, Roland Pederson, Dewayne Pemberton, Adam Pugh, Dave Rader and Paul Scott. Two members resigned during the 2017 session, and a third, Senator Dan Newberry, announced his resignation shortly after adjournment. Senator Mike Schulz was elected as President Pro Tempore, and Senator Greg Treat was named Majority Floor Leader. Other officers of the Senate for the 2017 session included Senators Stephanie Bice, Eddie Fields and Bryce Marlatt, Assistant Majority Floor Leaders; Senators Mark Allen, Nathan Dahm, Frank Simpson and Rob Standridge, Majority Whips; Senators Gary Stanislawski and Roger Thompson, Majority Caucus Chair and Vice-Chair; Senator A.J. Griffin, Rural Caucus Chair; and Senator John Sparks, Minority Floor Leader. Senator Kim David was named as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Legislature considered 2,460 bills and joint resolutions, of which 197 Senate measures and 196 House measures became law. Governor Mary Fallin vetoed 17 measures. One measure referred a state question to the voters for action at the November 2018 election. Since most measures not acted on in the first session of a legislature carry over to the second session, the 2018 session will start with 2,019 measures carried over from the 2017 session.
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