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SB 990

Recall elections; authorizing Legislature to propose recall of state officer; establishing procedures for legislative approval for recall election; providing procedures for certain recall election. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Coleman and 1 co-sponsor

SB 990 authorizes Oklahoma Legislature to initiate and approve recall elections for state officers, creating new mid-term removal procedures for elected officials.

Referred to Elections and Ethics
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 990

Legislative bill overview

SB 990 would authorize the Oklahoma Legislature to propose recall elections for state officers and establish the procedures required for legislative approval and conduct of such recall elections. Currently, Oklahoma law does not provide a mechanism for legislative recall of state officials. This bill would create a new avenue for removing elected state officers through a legislative-initiated process rather than relying solely on voter-initiated recall procedures.

Why is this important

Recall mechanisms are tools for accountability that allow constituents or their representatives to remove officials deemed unfit for office before their term expires. Adding a legislative recall option could shift power dynamics between branches of government and significantly impact how state officials conduct their duties, knowing they face potential mid-term removal by lawmakers. This represents a substantial change to Oklahoma's constitutional framework regarding executive and judicial accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Separation of powers concerns: Legislative recall of executive or judicial officers could blur constitutional lines between branches, potentially allowing partisan majorities to remove political opponents rather than addressing genuine misconduct
  • Abuse potential: Without clear standards for what constitutes grounds for recall, legislatures could weaponize removal procedures against ideological rivals or unpopular policy decisions
  • Democratic legitimacy questions: Whether legislators should have power to override voters' election choices, especially for statewide officers elected by all constituents, not just legislative districts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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