Lawton, OK – A new resolution proposed by Rep. Tom Gann (R-Inola) seeks to increase transparency and distribute power more evenly within the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Known as House Resolution 1001 (HR-1001), the resolution calls for significant changes to the way the legislative process is managed, specifically targeting the concentration of authority within the office of the House Speaker.
Gann, who has been a vocal critic of the current structure, argues that decisions made behind closed doors have undermined the transparency of the legislative process. “I don’t think one man should be able to control that,” Gann stated, emphasizing that dispersing authority among multiple representatives would empower not just individual lawmakers but the entire state. Under the proposal, the responsibilities currently held by the Speaker—including appointing committee members, assigning legislation, overseeing the budget, and blocking bills approved by committees—would be transferred to a newly formed Governance Committee.
This Governance Committee would consist of 11 members, a bipartisan group designed to ensure a more balanced and transparent decision-making process. Gann believes that by involving more members in the process, any issues that might be stalled in committees could be brought before the entire House, allowing for more open discussions and votes.
Alongside the Governance Committee, Gann’s resolution also proposes the creation of a House Transparency Committee, intended to include the newest members of the House. This committee would focus on increasing openness and accountability within the legislative process, an issue Gann and his supporters believe is long overdue.
However, not all lawmakers agree with Gann’s approach. Representative Daniel Pae (R-Lawton), a close ally of the incoming Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow), has voiced his support for efforts already underway to improve transparency. Pae highlighted the introduction of new oversight committees designed to add an additional layer of accountability to the committee structure. “There’s an opportunity for thorough vetting when it comes to bills making their way throughout the process,” Pae said. He believes that these measures, alongside the leadership of Hilbert, will bring positive change without the need for sweeping reforms.
Hilbert, who is set to be confirmed as Speaker of the House on January 7, has made it clear that his approach will focus on fiscal responsibility, finding wasteful practices, and strengthening Oklahoma’s economy. If confirmed, Hilbert will be the youngest Speaker in Oklahoma’s history, succeeding Charles McCall, who held the position for eight years.
Despite some reservations, Gann remains optimistic that HR-1001 will be well-received when it comes to the House floor for a vote. “I think they’re open to that and I’m looking forward to a robust discussion about it,” he said.
The vote on HR-1001 will take place on January 7, and its outcome could have lasting implications for the way the Oklahoma legislature operates, potentially reshaping the balance of power within the House of Representatives. Lawmakers on both sides of the issue are hopeful that, regardless of the outcome, the state will see greater transparency in the legislative process moving forward.
