Consolidate State Government?

While attempts to consolidate state entities may not have succeeded during the 2007 legislative session, other efforts may arise if interim studies on the subject prove fruitful.

When Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, began the 2007 session, his agenda included pursuit of greater state government accountability and efficiency. He succeeded with legislation to eliminate 18 task forces, committees and boards that had completed their work or had remained inactive. However, other attempts were made to consolidate agencies such as the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission, the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission and the Will Rogers Memorial Commission.

One of those efforts was HB 1277, by Rep. Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, Rep. Kenneth Miller, R-Edmond, Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, and Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City. The bill would have transferred all powers, duties, functions and responsibilities of the Scenic Rivers Commission to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission effective July 1, 2007. The bill passed out of both the House and Senate General Conference Committees on Appropriations, but it was not heard on either floor. It carries over to the next session.

Read the full press release at the okinsider website.