SB 97 Oklahoma Senate · 2026 Regular Session

State government; prohibiting state agencies from contracting with lobbyists or hiring legislative liaisons for certain purposes. Effective date.

SB 97 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from contracting with lobbyists or hiring legislative liaisons for certain purposes. The bill directly affects state agencies by restricting how they engage with outside advocates on legislative matters. Key provisions include an exemption allowing agency personnel to communicate with the Legislature regarding fiscal affairs or other matters deemed necessary by the Legislature. The bill is currently pending in the Legislature after passing committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 3, 2025 Last action Feb 13, 2025

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What changed between versions

SB97 (3-13-25) (SACCHIERI) FA1.PDF → Floor (Senate) · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to transition from a committee version to a Senate floor version with substantive changes to the definitions and restrictions on lobbyists. The floor version clarifies exemptions for individuals appearing before state officers without compensation and adds specific approval requirements for hiring legislative liaisons.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on prohibiting state agencies from contracting with lobbyists or hiring legislative liaisons for lobbying purposes, with clarified definitions and approval processes.

DEFINITION

Added detailed definitions for executive lobbyist, legislative liaison, legislative lobbyist, lobbyist, lobbyist principal, and state agency with specific exemptions for uncompensated appearances.

Modified definition of legislative liaison to clarify that duties must include legislative lobbying regardless of job title or description.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that hiring a legislative liaison for lobbying purposes requires express written approval from the appropriate cabinet secretary or Governor's office if the position is vacant.

TIMELINE

Added effective date of November 1, 2025.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 11, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Do Pass as amended Retirement and Government Resources committee; CR filed

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Introduced

First Reading

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors