Tag: powers

Drastic Bill To Give Oklahoma Governor Huge New Powers For Appointments

Oklahoma’s governor Mary Fallin would have broad new powers to appoint the directors of ten different state entities under a bill narrowly passed by a Senate committee, states KGOU.org.

The Senate General Government Committee voted 5-4 earlier this month for the Senate bill 829, written by Broken Arrow Republican Sen. Nathan Dahm, states enidnews.com.  This happened despite concerns it gives the governor too much power.

Dahm says he expects the bill to be rewritten.

The bill calls for firing the directors of ten different state agencies effective Jan. 1st next year and allows the governor to name their replacement.

Gov. Mary Fallin’s spokesman Alex Weintz says his office did not request the bill, but does support its intent.

The proposed legislation includes firings for the following directors:

  • The Executive Director appointed by the Oklahoma State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
  • The Executive Director appointed by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry;
  • The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Pharmacy;
  • The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision;
  • The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners;
  •  The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners;
  • The Chief Operating Officer appointed by the Board of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority;
  • The Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services appointed by the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services;
  • The Commissioner of Health appointed by the State Board of Health; and
  • The Executive Director appointed by the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

(Updated post)