Oklahoma Constitution Article XXIX: ETHICS COMMISSION
Oklahoma Constitution – Article XXIX: Ethics Commission – Summary
Purpose:
Article XXIX establishes the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, an independent body created to promote integrity in state government by regulating the ethical conduct of public officials, candidates, lobbyists, and state employees.
Key Provisions:
Establishment of the Commission (Section 1):
Creates the Oklahoma Ethics Commission as a constitutional body.
It is independent of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Membership:
The Commission consists of five members, each serving five-year staggered terms.
Members are appointed by:
Governor
President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Speaker of the House
Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court
Attorney General
No more than three members may belong to the same political party, and members must be from different congressional districts.
Powers and Duties:
The Commission can issue rules of ethical conduct covering:
Campaign finance
Lobbying
Conflicts of interest
Financial disclosure
These rules have the force of law once submitted to the Legislature and not disapproved.
Enforcement:
The Commission may investigate and enforce compliance, including imposing civil penalties.
It may also recommend criminal prosecution when necessary.
Funding and Budget:
The Constitution guarantees that the Commission will receive no less than its previous year’s appropriation, ensuring financial independence.
The Legislature may not reduce its funding below this level, unless all agencies face proportional cuts.
Significance:
Article XXIX was added via a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1990 in response to growing public concerns about corruption and lack of transparency.
It ensures nonpartisan oversight of ethical behavior in state government.
Oklahoma was one of the first states to give such a body constitutional status, shielding it from political interference.
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