Legislators submit bills for new session at the capitol

Contributing Writer

The new year brings a new legislative session for the representatives at the State Capitol, and Oklahoma lawmakers are anticipating high stress and high stakes when they meet on the congressional floor for the first meetings of the 59th legislative session.

Tensions were already rising at the capitol as both Republicans and Democrats rushed to submit their proposed bills on Jan. 19. While the Republican Party appears to have tax cuts as a top priority, Democrats are expected to lean hard into voting rights and regulations ahead of the 2024 presidential primary. Both parties are also expected to consider proposals regarding school vouchers, law ing legislative session,” said Charles McCall, speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. “While we are sure to deal with a number of issues of concern to the people of Oklahoma, the topics mentioned above are definitely some of our caucus priorities. These issues can fluctuate as the session moves along depending on needs that arise, and there are a number of important topics we will address this year.”

With the presidential run for 2024 on the horizon and multiple legal battles regarding voting rules active inside and outside Oklahoma, voter rights continue to be a hot topic amongst both parties. At both a state and federal level, lawmakers are working urgently to uphold the democratic process. Both Republicans to make sure our elections in Oklahoma are safe, secure and everyone who has the right to vote can do so,” McCall said. “We are always focused on free and fair elections, and our

Following the end of the voting sessions for both House and Senate in 2022, the Oklahoma courts also welcomed an assembly of newly elected officials. Oklahoma elected 123 comes to getting bills this session onto Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk. The floors of the Capitol are sure to be filled with various debates and discussions when Oklahoma’s first session finally